Tilapia do have teeth. In fact, they have two types of teeth: jaw teeth and pharyngeal teeth. Let me explain each type in more detail.
Jaw teeth are located in the mouth of the tilapia, just like in most other fish species. These teeth are used for capturing and holding onto prey. The configuration of jaw teeth can vary between different species of tilapia, depending on their diet preferences. Some species have small, sharp teeth, while others have larger, more robust teeth. These differences in tooth shape and size allow tilapia to effectively catch and consume their preferred prey.
Pharyngeal teeth, on the other hand, are located in the throat region of the tilapia. They are not used for capturing prey, but rather for processing and grinding food. These teeth are specifically designed to crush and grind plant matter and other hard substances that the tilapia may consume. The configuration of pharyngeal teeth can also vary between different species of tilapia, depending on their specific dietary needs. Some species may have more numerous and densely packed pharyngeal teeth, while others may have larger and more robust teeth.
The presence of both jaw teeth and pharyngeal teeth in tilapia is an adaptation that allows them to have a diverse diet. While some tilapia species are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and aquatic plants, others are omnivorous, consuming a combination of plant matter and small aquatic organisms. The variation in tooth configuration between species reflects these different diet preferences.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to observe tilapia up close while snorkeling in freshwater lakes. It was fascinating to see their mouths opening and closing, revealing their jaw teeth as they searched for food. While snorkeling, I also noticed that some tilapia were grazing on plants, using their pharyngeal teeth to grind and process the vegetation. This firsthand experience reinforced my understanding of the importance of tilapia teeth in their feeding behavior.
To summarize, tilapia do indeed have teeth, with two types: jaw teeth for capturing prey and pharyngeal teeth for processing and grinding food. The configuration of these teeth can vary between different species of tilapia, reflecting their different dietary preferences. This adaptation allows tilapia to have a diverse diet, ranging from herbivory to omnivory.