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Choosing the right grade isn’t just about weight; it’s about portion control, cooking application, and ultimately, profitability.
In this guide, I’ll share my experience and walk you through the seven primary size grades we offer, helping you make the most informed decision for your business.
Understanding tilapia whole Round Size
A small, plate-sized fish is perfect for a single-serving fried dish, while a larger fish is destined for processing into premium fillets.
For instance, species like Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) have the genetic potential to grow quite large, reaching up to 4.5 kg (10 lbs) in the wild.
However, in controlled aquaculture environments, most tilapia are harvested at a size that is ideal for market demands, typically between 300g and 1.5kg.
As a Frozen Tilapia Supplier, our job is to manage these factors to produce a consistent and reliable supply across all key size grades.
| Name Company | oceanblossoms |
| Name product | Balck Tilapia Whole Round |
| Size (gr/pc) | 100-200g, 200-300g, 300-500g, 500-800g, 800-1000g, 1500-2500g, 2500g+ |
| Packing | 10kgs,20kgs/carton.IQF/BQF |
| Glazing | 0% , 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% |
| MOQ | 10 tons ( 1cont 20FCL), 26 tons (1 cont 40FCL) |
| Certificate | HACCP , HALAL, ISO, IFS, GLOBAL GAP, BRC |
| Delivery time | 7-15 days after receipt of deposit. |
A Deep Dive into Our 7 Wholesale Tilapia Size Grades
To meet the diverse needs of the global market, we process and grade our whole frozen tilapia into seven distinct categories. Here’s a breakdown of each Tilapia Size and its most common applications.
Grade 1: 100-200g (Small / Pan-Size)
This is the smallest grade we offer. These fish are ideal for single-portion meals where the whole fish is presented on the plate. Their small size makes them quick to cook.
- Best For: Pan-frying, steaming, buffets, and all-you-can-eat formats where cost control and quick preparation are key.
Grade 2: 200-300g (Standard Plate-Size)
A highly popular and versatile Tilapia Size, this grade is a staple for many restaurants. It offers a slightly more substantial meal than the 100-200g grade while remaining an economical choice for a whole-fish entrée.
- Best For: Grilling, baking, or frying whole. It’s a favorite for restaurateurs who want a classic, consistent plate presentation.
Grade 3: 300-500g (Medium)
Often considered the “workhorse” of the tilapia world, this size strikes a perfect balance between being large enough for a generous whole meal and being suitable for yielding small fillets. This size aligns with the common market size harvested in many aquaculture operations.
- Best For: A very wide range of cooking methods. It’s excellent for baking stuffed tilapia or for clients who want the flexibility to process it into smaller fillets themselves.
Grade 4: 500-800g (Large)
Once we move past the half-kilo mark, the focus begins to shift more towards fillet yield. A fish of this size provides a substantial meal and is perfect for family-style platters or for processors who want to create good-sized fillets.
- Best For: Roasting, baking, and processing into boneless fillets for retail or food service.
Grade 5: 800-1000g (Extra-Large)
This Tilapia Size is a premium category. A single fish can weigh up to one kilogram, offering thick, meaty portions. These are less common for whole-fish preparations and are primarily sought after for their high fillet yield.
- Best For: Processing into thick, high-quality fillets that command a higher price point in retail and restaurants.
Grade 6: 1500-2500g (Jumbo)
Now we’re in the jumbo category. These fish are impressive in size and are exclusively used for processing. The fillets from a jumbo tilapia are thick and steak-like, appealing to high-end markets. This size range approaches the maximum weight for some species like Blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus).
- Best For: Specialty processors and distributors supplying premium food service clients who require large, bone-free portions.
Grade 7: 2500g+ (Super Jumbo)
This is the largest class of tilapia we supply. Weighing over 2.5 kg, these fish represent the pinnacle of tilapia aquaculture. They require a longer growth cycle and careful management, making them a specialty product.
- Best For: High-end fish markets and restaurants looking to make a statement with exceptionally large, top-quality tilapia fillets.
How the Whole Tilapia Factory is Processed
A tilapia processing factory transforms live fish into market-ready products through a systematic, quality-controlled process.
Our process starts with live tilapia from sustainable farms.
Process for Whole Tilapia: The process is: Washing → Placing on Trays → IQF Freezing → Packing.
Process for Gutted & Scaled Tilapia: The process is: Remove Scales → Wash → Remove Guts → Wash Again → Place on Trays → IQF Freeze → Pack.
You can view our 4 processing methods of tilapia
What is your monthly supply quantity for tilapia?
Our monthly supply capacity for tilapia is scalable and depends on the specific product form required, such as whole fish or frozen fillets.
Our monthly supply capacity is about 50 FCL containers.
We will reserve goods for our existing customers and those with advance purchasing plans to ensure timely supply and address any potential issues.
Which is Better: Black or Red Tilapia?
Choosing between black and red tilapia often comes down to personal preference in taste and texture.
Red tilapia, a hybrid, tends to have a cleaner, sweeter flavor and thicker meat, while black tilapia has a firmer texture and a more robust taste.
Taste and Culinary Use
Red tilapia’s milder flavor and appealing color make it a favorite for dishes where the fish is served whole or as a fillet. Black tilapia’s firmer flesh holds up well to grilling, frying, and stronger seasonings.
Farming Characteristics
Black tilapia is known for its faster growth and adaptability to various environments. In contrast, red tilapia may be more disease-resistant but can be more sensitive to environmental changes.
FAQs
Q1: What is a good size for a tilapia fillet?
A: A “good” size depends on the application. For a standard dinner entree, 5-7 ounces (142-198 grams) is considered the industry standard and offers excellent plate coverage and value. For lighter fare like tacos or lunch specials, 3-5 ounces is ideal.
Q2: How many ounces is a serving of tilapia?
A: A typical restaurant serving of tilapia is between 5 and 7 ounces. The USDA’s general guideline for a serving of fish is 3-4 ounces, but commercial portions are often larger.
Q3: What does 5-7 oz tilapia mean?
A: It is a size grade that indicates every individual fillet in the package or case weighs between 5 and 7 ounces. This narrow range ensures consistency in portion size, cooking time, and cost per serving.
