A historical account is given of the discovery of Tilapia mossambica and its culture in Indonesia and the resulting success in Java of this species in rural development programs. Consequent introduction of this species to the Philippines and development of the tilapia culture industry is described, comparing it with development of the industry in Indonesia. Although tilapia production showed a great increase in the Philippines following introduction of Oreochromis niloticus from Thailand, the situation was quite different in Indonesia, where strong market biases had been formed and regional preferences for freshwater fish exist.