Evidence for the role of algae as food in tilapia production is contradictory and typifies a general uncertainty about the importance of algae-to-fish food pathway in aquaculture. Viewpoints regarding the importance of algae cropping by fish reflect this uncertainty. Some aquaculturists believe that the commonly cultured tilapias harvest algae inefficiently, eating only about 10% of the total net algae production. Others, believing the algal feeding pathway for tilapia to be efficient, recommend its application.