To evaluate the potential environmental effects of engineered nano metals, it is important to determine the adverse effects of various nanomaterials on aquatic species. Adult tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) were maintained in 10 L glass aquaria, and exposed to a graded series of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at 25, 50 and 75 mg/L for eight days. The LC50 value was 12.6 mg/L. Reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes and the contents of antioxidants were lowered in the gills and liver of fishes treated with AgNPs, which resulted in heavy accumulation of free radicals. Histopathological results imply that the balance between the oxidative and antioxidant system in the fish was broken down during Ag-NPs exposure. The principal concern related with the release of nanomaterials and their smaller particle may change the materials transport and potential toxicity to aquatic organisms compared to larger particles.