Know Your Farmer. Know Your Fish.
Great-tasting fish starts with people who care. Our fish are raised by a dedicated team of aquaculture professionals who bring together experience, science, and hard work, because we know our fish, since we raise them ourselves, from our farm to your table.
The team on the ground.
Site Managers
Gabriel Jimenez"El Tigre"
Gabriel Jimenez brings over 8 years of aquaculture experience working with 14 different freshwater and marine species. He holds a Bachelor's in Business Management and a Master's in Aquaculture from the University of Miami. As Miami Site Manager, Gabriel leads our breeding program alongside Benchmark Genetics, and manages the hands-on team caring for our tilapia from egg to grow-out and sale.
Vicente Maldonado"Chente"
With over 15 years of international aquaculture experience across Mexico, Costa Rica, Ghana, and the U.S., Vicente Maldonado leads Spring Tilapia's Clewiston grow-out operations. A Marine Biologist with a master's in Energy Management and a certified Divemaster, he combines science and hands-on farming experience. His focus: healthy fish, efficient growth, and consistently high-quality tilapia.
Team on the Ground
Pedro Moya"Pedrito"
Pedro Moya began his aquaculture career in 2010 and brings more than 16 years of hands-on experience in tilapia breeding, hatchery, nursery, and grow-out operations. Always smiling and ready to help, he's one of the most beloved members of our team. Beyond the fish, Pedro is also our "world-famous chef," known for the legendary minutas he's proudly prepared for visitors and friends from all around the world.
Jorge Zulueta"Jolgito"
Jorge joined Spring Tilapia in 2025, bringing more than 10 years of hands-on experience in tilapia farming in Florida. At our Clewiston site, he supports daily grow-out operations and is known for his positive attitude, teamwork, and willingness to always lend a hand. His experience and dedication make him a valued member of the Spring Tilapia team.
Mario Castaneda
Mario Castaneda is a veterinarian specializing in aquatic animal health and has been part of the Spring Tilapia team for over five years. He earned his veterinary degree from the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala and a Master's in Aquatic Veterinary Studies from the University of Stirling in Scotland. Mario oversees fish health and welfare while supervising commercial production at our Miami hatchery.
Julio Moya
Julio Moya is a Field Technician with over 10 years of experience in tilapia production. Since joining in 2016, he has become a key member of the production team, providing hands-on technical support to our breeding program. With experience across breeding, hatchery, nursery, and grow-out operations, Julio helps maintain the fish care, biosecurity, and production standards that define Spring Tilapia.
Owners
Hideyoshi Segovia
In 2023, Hideyoshi Segovia-Uno completed a Management Buyout with his partners and now serves as CEO and Partner. An Aquaculture Biotechnology Engineer with 20+ years of industry experience, he has been with the company since 2012, playing a key role in developing its U.S. operations and Nile tilapia breeding program. Today, he leads Spring Tilapia's growth toward becoming the leading U.S. farm-raised tilapia company.
Carlos Lopez
In 2023, Carlos completed a Management Buyout with his partners and now serves as Commercial Director and Partner. He holds a master's degree in aquaculture from the University of Miami and has over 12 years of experience across various aquaculture species. For the past eight years, he has focused on tilapia production, working with systems across the U.S., Latin America, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Thailand.
Professionally-run tilapia farms in Florida.
We raise every fish ourselves, from fingerling to harvest, right here in Florida.
Spring Tilapia started in 2009 with a simple idea: raise better fish, closer to home, in water clean enough that you'd trust it yourself. Nearly two decades later, we still raise every fish on our own farms in Florida, nothing imported, nothing frozen along the way.
Raise the freshest, highest-quality tilapia in the country.
Fresh, American-raised fish on every table that wants it.
Grow tilapia in a responsible and transparent way that consumers can trust.
Our history at a glance.
Our Florida Breeding Program Begins
Spring Tilapia begins its selective breeding program in Florida under Akvaforsk Genetics Center, Inc.
Pioneering Disease-Resistance Selection
In collaboration with USDA-ARS, Spring Tilapia pioneers selective breeding for improved disease resistance in tilapia.
Joining Benchmark Holdings
Spring Tilapia is acquired by Benchmark Holdings and becomes Benchmark Genetics USA, Inc.
A New Chapter Through Management Buyout
Advanced Aquaculture Biotechnology USA successfully completes a management buyout, returning the company to independent ownership.
From Genetics to Commercial Production
Spring Tilapia launches its own grow-out operations, bringing premium U.S. farm-raised tilapia directly to the American market.
Expanding into the U.S. Live-Fish Market
Spring Tilapia enters the U.S. live-tilapia market and earns the official Fresh From Florida certification.