
Nile Tilapia
البلطي
Bolti
Bolti (Nile tilapia) is the everyday fish of Egypt — the most eaten and most farmed freshwater species, native to the Nile and abundant in Lake Nasser, Lake Qarun and the delta. Several local variants are distinguished (Bolti nily, galily, azrag, akhdar). A reliable catch for shore and small-boat anglers on light gear.
Local names · what anglers actually call it
Nile tilapia; FishBase Egypt entry 'Bolti Nalawi'. Lake Nasser variants: Bolti nily, galily, azrag, akhdar
source: FishBase Egypt + WorldFish ↗Size
15–45 cm
Depth
0–20 m
Record weight
up to 4 kg
Habitat
Nile, lakes, canals, brackish lagoons
Best seasons
Fishing techniques
Baits & lures
Did you know?
Tilapia are mouth-brooders — the parent carries the fertilised eggs and young inside its mouth for protection. The fish appears in ancient Egyptian art as a symbol of rebirth.