Abstract This paper reports the effects of a natural androgen, 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11βOHA4), on sex-reversed fry of the Florida red tilapia. In a first approach, the optimal dosage and duration were determined in the laboratory. The sex-reversal treatment was applied on post-yolksac stage fry (10 days after fertilisation at 27 °C). Dosages of 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg of 11βOHA4 kg −1 of food were used during periods ranging from 10 to 35 days. Dosages of 40 or 50 mg of 11βOHA4 kg −1 of food during 21–35 days significantly increased the male percentage in sex-reversed groups in comparison to control groups. A lower but still significant deviation of the male percentage was observed when a dosage of 40 mg kg −1 was given during at least 28 days. Lower dosages did not significantly affect the sex ratio of treated groups. Based on the results of these observations, a follow-up study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of this natural androgen for an intensive production of sex-reversed fry. Optimal dosage (50 mg kg −1 ) and treatment duration (28 days) were applied to increasing stocking density of fry (8000–11,000 fish m −2 ), producing a mean male percentage of 99.1% on the 510,000 treated fry. This study demonstrates the masculinizing efficiency of 11βOHA4 in Florida red tilapia. Interest of a natural androgen, used in sex-reversal treatment, is discussed, particularly for the Florida red tilapia strain.