Tilapia is a native fish species of the African continent and is classified as a tropical fish. It is known for its rapid growth, tolerance to low oxygen levels, adaptability to various salinity conditions, omnivorous diet, resistance to disease, high-quality meat, and high productivity. Tilapia is one of the fastest-growing fish species globally and ranks second in world aquaculture production, following carp. Taxonomically, it belongs to the family Cichlidae and is closely related to the genus *Oreochromis*, which includes over 100 species and subspecies.
Tilapia breeding does not require artificial stimulation or water changes. As long as the water temperature remains stable above 20°C, mature males and females can naturally reproduce when placed together in a breeding pond. At optimal temperatures between 25-29°C, fry can be produced every 30-50 days. In southern China, tilapia typically spawns five to six times a year, and under controlled temperature conditions, it can breed throughout the year.
Breeding Pond Conditions
1. Location: The breeding pond should be located near a water source for easy water exchange, in a quiet area with convenient transportation. It’s best to choose a pond close to the broodstock during winter to minimize stress and damage to the fish.
2. Size and Water Level: The ideal size of a breeding pond is between 2 to 6 acres. Too large a pond makes fry collection difficult, while too small a pond leads to unstable water quality and temperature fluctuations. The water level should be maintained at 1.4–1.5 meters during normal conditions. When broodstock are spawning, the water level should be lowered to 0.8–1.2 meters, and raised slightly to 1.2–1.4 meters during summer heat.
3. Pond Shape and Bottom: Rectangular ponds oriented east-west and north-south are ideal. Shallow beaches along the edges help broodstock spawn. The bottom should be flat or slightly concave, preferably sandy. No weeds should be present on the shallow edges, as they hinder fry collection.
Pond Cleaning and Disinfection
Before introducing broodstock, the pond must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Drain all water, remove unwanted fish, weeds, and debris, especially within 1.6 meters from the bottom. Ensure the pond edges and drainage filters are secure. Let the bottom dry and crack in the sun for 10–15 days before refilling with 10–20 cm of water. Apply disinfectants such as tea pods, bleaching powder, or quicklime. Quicklime is most effective, with recommended dosages of 40–50 kg per mu for tea pods, 150–200 kg per mu for quicklime, and 15–20 kg per mu for bleaching powder (30% available chlorine).
Water Quality Management
After disinfection, use a net to check for remaining pests or debris. Refill the pond with filtered water, ensuring the mesh is regularly cleaned. Apply base fertilizers such as 300–600 kg of fermented manure or 500–800 kg of green manure per acre. Maintain a tea-green or yellowish-green water color. If green manure is used, turn it regularly and wait until fully decomposed before releasing fish.
Broodstock Selection and Stocking
1. Broodstock Selection: Choose purebred, fast-growing individuals with a weight of over 250 grams. Males should be slightly larger than females. Healthy broodstock should have full scales, bright fins, clear markings, no diseases, and proper body shape.
2. Stocking: Introduce broodstock when the water temperature is stable above 20°C. In Guangdong, this usually occurs in mid to late March, but with greenhouse systems, it can start in mid-February. Stock on sunny days, and ensure thorough disinfection by soaking the fish in a solution for 3–5 minutes before placing them in the pond. Handle gently to avoid injury and reduce recovery time.
3. Stocking Density and Sex Ratio: Stocking density depends on dissolved oxygen levels and pond conditions. In standard pools, 1500–2000 fish per mu is typical. A male-to-female ratio of 2.5:1 to 4:1 is ideal to prevent overpopulation of fry due to aggressive male behavior.
Fry Production and Management
Once broodstock are stocked, monitor daily for fry activity. Fry are typically harvested in the morning or evening using hand nets or small trawls. Collect 4–5 times daily to maximize fry collection. Handle fry gently and transfer them to nursery ponds after counting.
Tilapia fry have a tendency to cannibalize each other, so regular monitoring is essential. Fry around 1.5 cm in length may begin to feed on smaller fry. Proper netting techniques and careful management are crucial during this phase.
Key Points to Consider
1. Temperature Adjustment: Before moving broodstock to the breeding pond, gradually cool the water to match the external temperature. Stop feeding 3 days before transfer and add new water slowly. Handle carefully to avoid injuries, as wounds are prone to infection in cooler conditions.
2. Water Quality: Maintaining balanced water quality is critical. Avoid overly rich or thin water. Use lime regularly, change old water in hot seasons, and consider microbial agents to improve oxygen levels and water clarity.
3. Feeding: Broodstock require high-protein diets (over 35%) to support reproduction. Feed a mix of soybean meal, fish meal, corn, and peanut meal, preferably in pellet form. Ensure consistent and nutritious feeding to increase fry production and survival rates.
4. Summer Spawning Issues: During high summer temperatures, spawning may decrease, making fry collection difficult. Separate males and females until temperatures drop below 30°C, then re-pair them to ensure more concentrated fry harvests, improving breeding efficiency and winter survival.
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