| Common name: |
Tilapia |
| Scientific name: |
Oreochromis niloticus, O.
aurea, O. mossambicus, O. hornorum |
| Production potential: |
Easy except tilapia grow slowly at
temperatures lower than 70 F and die when temperatures drop into the 50 F range |
| Marketing potential: |
Potential: High
Size: 1.25-2.0 lb
Market: Food |
| Temperature requirements: |
Growing: 80-87 F
Spawning: Greater than 72
Lethal: 55 F |
| Feed requirements: |
Protein: 25-30%
Fat: 6-8% |
| Spawning requirements: |
Maternal mouthbrooders, spawn twice
a month, 2,500 eggs/lb body weight, eggs hatch in 5 to 7 days. All male hybrids can be
produced by crossing female O. niloticus and male O. aurea.Or by crossing
female O. niloticus and male O. hornorum.Stocking ratios for fingerling
production is three females to each male. |
Most common
production systems: |
For food fish estimate at
1500-3,000 lbs. per acre. For food fish production in cages stock 8-15 lbs. per cubic
food. Stocking densities in recycle systems depends on the quaility of the filtration
used. However at harverst a goal of from 0.5-1.5 lbs pounds per gallon is desired. |
