Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) is one of the most widely cultured and most widespread invasive fish species globally. It was the most common alien fish species in South China where it has successfully established populations in the major rivers, and became the dominant species in many sites. The distribution of Nile tilapia in the wild in China is limited by the temperature and the biodiversity of native fish, so it was abundant in the rivers with lower biodiversity in South China. A series of ecological problems may have caused by the increase of Nile tilapia, such as the decrease of the CPUE (catch-per-unit-per-effort) and the income of fishermen, influence on growth of native fish species, increase of the fishing pressure on native species, and decrease of the water transparency and water quality. In order to control the population of the Nile tilapia in the wild, an organophosphate drug called “Mie fei ling” was developed and used. Meanwhile, science popularization has been used to strengthen the understanding of the public and to avoid Nile tilapia to be released and escaped from aquaculture. In order to reduce the ecological impact, more investigations should be conducted and suitable control methods should also be determined for this invasive species.