Blackchin Tilapia

Why is a fish from West Africa causing so much trouble in Thailand? This lesson explores the black-chinned tilapia, an invasive species that has spread through Thai canals, fish ponds and shrimp farms. You’ll hear how it survives in fresh and brackish water, why it spreads so quickly, and how Thai people have dealt with invasive species in the past, often by turning them into food! The lesson also covers the floods in Chiang Rai, Thai customs around giving and merit-making, and finding contentment with what you have.

Thai Vocabulary:
ปลาหมอคางดำ (bplaa mɔ̌ɔ kaang dam) – Black-chinned tilapia
แพร่กระจาย (prɛ̂ɛ grà-jaai) – To spread
ฉับพลัน (chàp-plan) – Sudden
น้ำกร่อย (náam grɔ̀ɔi) – Brackish water
สูญพันธุ์ (sǔun pan) – To become extinct
สาธุ (sǎa-tú) – An expression of approval for someone’s good deed

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Blackchin Tilapia

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