TILAPIA(Oreochromis

niloticus)

DescriptionOTilapias belong to the cichlid

family.OThe Nile tilapia is the species

most often used in pond stocking.

OThe Nile tilapia's taxonomy has been revised many times over the last 30 years and the current accepted name is Oreochromis niloticus.

OTilapia consume a large variety of natural material in ponds and lakes including: plankton, detritus (dead organic matter), aquatic invertebrates, and some aquatic vegetation.

ONile tilapia are prolific spawners, beginning when the water temperature reaches about 70 degrees.

OA female tilapia weighing 200g (0.4 lb) can produce up to 500 fry every 3 to 5 weeks until the water temperature cools in the fall.

OMales will build a nest, closely resembling a bluegill nest, in 3 feet of water or less.

OSeveral females will deposit eggs in this nest for fertilizing by the male.

OThe eggs are held in the female's mouth for incubation.

OThe female is ready to mate again about a week after it stops caring for the fry.

OTilapia are native to tropical habitats and die when water temperature drops below 50-52 degrees for several days.

OTilapia are more tolerant of high water temperature, high salinity, low dissolved oxygen, and high ammonia concentrations than other freshwater forage species.

Pond RequirementsTilapia efficiently utilize

plankton in ponds as well as pelleted feed. Therefore, growth and reproduction can be directly increased by fertilizing and supplemental feeding. Tilapia generally stop feeding when the water temperature falls below 63 degrees.

SpaceThe size of the pond should

be determined by the number of fish you want to raise. A good guide is 4 to 5 square feet of water per mature fish or 2-3 mature fish per square meter of water surface in a pond environment.

SalinityThey grow well up to salinities

of 16 to 20 parts per thousand (sea water is 35 ppt). Salt can be added to discourage pests and to create a warmer layer in a deep pond during the winter. It can also help to control overpopulation: Fry numbers decline substantially at 10 ppt salinity.

References:O http://

www.piclist.com/techref/other/pond/TilapiaRaising.htm

O http://sepond.com/fish-stocking/tilapia