Abstract: This chapter discusses the Nile tilapia genetic resources along the lines of documentation, characterization, evaluation, utilisation, and conservation. Tilapias possess remarkable attributes for aquaculture: excellent growth rates on low protein diets whether cropping natural aquatic production or receiving supplementary feeds; tolerance of wide ranges of environmental conditions; comparative freedom from serious diseases and parasitic infections; ease of handling and breeding in captivity; and wide acceptance as food fish. Although several tilapia species are cultured, the most widely preferred (in over 40 countries) is the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus . Tilapias are farmed in the tropics and subtropics of all continents. FAO statistics report tilapia culture in 68 countries. As in other groups of fishes, taxonomy in tilapias is not without its problems. The nomenclature that applies to natural populations is of little use for labelling cultured tilapias. In aquaculture, male tilapias grow 20–40% larger than females. One of the research areas that most tilapia biologists are engaged in is the mechanism of sex determination. In the mid-1980s, ICLARM started to explore a research program to develop improved breeds of fish grown in inland aquaculture systems by small scale farmers. So far, there are almost no sustained applied fish breeding programs in developing tropical countries.
Publication Year: 1995
Publication Date: 1995-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 5
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