Tilapia
A warm water fish that's become popular worldwide. One of the most farmed fish globally.
Quick answer
Where to catch Tilapia in Stardew Valley
Catch Tilapia at Ocean during Summer, Fall from 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM in any weather. It sells for 75g at normal quality and 150g when smoked.
Ocean
Summer, Fall
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM, any weather
75g base, 150g iridium
67g Roe -> 134g Aged Roe
Spinner or Barbed Hook
Keep one for Ocean Fish Bundle; catch it before 2 PM
Is Tilapia worth keeping?
Keep the first Tilapia for the Ocean Fish Bundle. Its 6 AM to 2 PM window makes it easy to miss if you start beach fishing late.
When to sell or smoke it
Sell extras freely once the bundle is safe. At 75g base value, Tilapia is more useful as a bundle target than as a dedicated money fish.
Fish Pond and Roe
A Tilapia pond is optional and mainly for collection. It does not compete with high-value pond choices like Sturgeon, Lava Eel, Blobfish, or Ice Pip. Formula value: 67g Roe, then 134g Aged Roe.
Best route
What to do with Tilapia
Go to the Ocean in Summer or Fall before 2 PM. Tilapia is not hard, but the morning window matters if you are trying to finish the Ocean Fish Bundle efficiently.
Morning Ocean bundle target
Required for the Ocean Fish Bundle.
Fishing after 2 PM is the usual miss. Pair Tilapia with other morning beach goals, then switch targets later in the day.
Where & When to Find Tilapia
Location
- Ocean
Found in the ocean during summer and fall.
Time & Conditions
Difficulty & Catching Strategy
Difficulty: 50
MediumModerate challenge
Mixed Behavior
Unpredictable movement that alternates between different patterns. Requires adaptability.
Tip: Stay centered and react to changes. Don't commit too heavily to one direction.
Expert Tips for Tilapia
Active in the morning hours. A reliable catch when beach fishing during summer and fall.
Recommended Tackle
Spinner
Faster bite rate
Best for: Farming XP quickly
Barbed Hook
Clinging to fish
Best for: Smooth/mixed behavior fish
Tackle requires an Iridium Rod. Purchase from Willy's shop at Fishing Level 6.
Sell Prices by Quality
| Quality | Price |
|---|---|
| Normal | 75g |
| Silver | 93g |
| Gold | 112g |
| Iridium | 150g |
Smoked Fish Value
The Fish Smoker uses 1 Coal and doubles the fish sell price while preserving quality. Fisher or Angler changes the fish value first; Artisan then increases the smoked product.
| Input Quality | Fish Value | Smoked Value |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 75g | 150g |
| Silver | 93g | 186g |
| Gold | 112g | 224g |
| Iridium | 150g | 300g |
Formula: fish sell price x 2. See the formula audit for source notes.
Uses for Tilapia
- Sashimi
- Fish pond
- Morning catch
Did You Know?
Tilapia were one of the first fish species to be farmed, dating back to ancient Egyptian times.