Why TILAPIA?
Choosing tilapia for aquaculture can be attributed to several factors, making it a popular choice for fish farming. Here are some reasons why tilapia is commonly selected:
- Fast Growth Rate:
- Tilapia is known for its rapid growth compared to many other fish species. This characteristic allows farmers to achieve a harvestable size in a relatively short period, typically within 6-8 months.
- Adaptability:
- Tilapia can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions, including varying water temperatures and quality. This adaptability makes them suitable for aquaculture in diverse climates.
- Tolerance to Crowding:
- Tilapia can tolerate higher stocking densities compared to some other fish species. This makes them suitable for intensive aquaculture systems, where space may be limited.
- Omnivorous Diet:
- Tilapia are omnivores, meaning they can consume a variety of feed types, including pellets, grains, and vegetable matter. This flexibility in diet makes them cost-effective to feed, as farmers can use a variety of available and affordable feed sources.
- Versatility in Aquaculture Systems:
- Tilapia can be raised in various aquaculture systems, including ponds, tanks, and cages. This versatility allows farmers to choose a production method that suits their available resources and space.
- Mild Flavor:
- Tilapia has a mild flavor that is generally well-received by consumers. This makes it a versatile fish that can be easily incorporated into various culinary dishes.
- High Reproductive Potential:
- Tilapia have high reproductive rates, with females capable of producing large numbers of eggs. This reproductive potential contributes to the species’ ability to maintain and expand populations in aquaculture systems.
- Market Demand:
- Tilapia is widely consumed globally, and there is a consistent market demand for this fish. Its mild taste and versatility in cooking make it a popular choice among consumers.
- Disease Resistance:
- Tilapia is generally hardy and exhibits good disease resistance compared to some other fish species. This reduces the risk of disease outbreaks in aquaculture systems.
- Environmental Benefits:
- Tilapia can help control aquatic vegetation and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases when introduced into certain water bodies.
- Economic Viability:
- Tilapia farming can be economically viable, especially when managed efficiently. The relatively low production costs and market demand contribute to the economic sustainability of tilapia aquaculture operations.
While tilapia offers numerous advantages, it’s essential for farmers to consider local conditions, regulations, and market preferences when deciding on a species for aquaculture. Additionally, responsible and sustainable farming practices should be emphasized to ensure the long-term success of tilapia farming operations.
How to breed and culture TILAPIA?
Hatchery in netcages
- Install 3 x 10 x 0.75 m fine-meshed netcages in ponds or 3 x 10 x 1.5 m fine-meshed netcages in lakes
- Stock four (3 females and 1 male) or five (4 females and 1 male) tilapia breeders (3-4 month old, minimum 100 g) per square meter
- Feed breeders at 3% of total biomass with tilapia feeds containing 40% protein
- Check for the presence of fry three weeks after stocking the breeders
- Collect fry and transfer to nursery netcages
- Place breeders in separate holding facilities and continue feeding them high-protein tilapia feeds for the next breeding cycle
Nursery in netcages
- Stock 800-1,000 fry/m2 in netcages of appropriate mesh size
- Feed fry with supplemental feeds to avoid or minimize cannibalism
- Sort fry after two weeks
- Re-stock fingerlings according to size in separate netcages
- Transfer fingerlings to grow-out enclosures when total length is 37 mm (size 17) to 46 mm (size 14)
Grow-out in ponds
- Prepare the pond by sun drying the pond bottom and applying lime to stabilize soil and water pH. Lime is unnecessary when soil pH is above 7.5 and the alkalinity of the pond water is above 50 mg/liter of CaCO3
- Stock 1-2 fingerlings/m2 for extensive systems, 3-4 fingerlings/m2 for semi-intensive systems, and 5-10 fingerlings/m2 for intensive systems
- Feed fingerlings with tilapia feeds daily at 2-3% of the total fish biomass in semi-intensive systems and at 3-5% of the total fish biomass in intensive systems
- Intensive systems require good water management (water change as needed) apart from additional provisions like paddlewheel aerators
- Harvest fish when they reach the market size of 150-300 g (4-6 months)
Is TILAPIA seed production profitable?
Technical information for a small-scale netcage-based hatchery
| No. of broodstock (F=1,600; M=400) | 2,000 |
| Female broodstock that produces fry per cycle (%) | 80 |
| Fry production per female broodstock (pcs) | 200 |
| Production per cycle (pcs) | 256,000 |
| Number of cycles per month, 36 days | 2 |
| Productive months per year | 10 |
| Production per month (pcs) | 358,400 |
| Recovery after one month (%) | 70 |
| Production per year (pcs) | 3,584,000 |
| Farm gate fry selling price, size 22 (PhP/pc) | 0.45 |
| Gross sales | 1,612,800 |
Costs-and-returns (per year) (as of 2016)
| Total variable cost (PhP) | 436,000 |
| Total fixed cost (PhP) | 450,000 |
| Net income per year (PhP) | 726,800 |
| Internal rate of return (%) | 146 |
| Return-on-investment (%) | 163 |
| Payback period (years) | 0.48 |
Is TILAPIA farming profitable?
Technical information for a 5-hectare tilapia grow-out pond
| Project duration (years) | 5 |
| Area (ha) | 5 |
| Stocking density (per m2) | 7 |
| Total stocks per crop | 350,000 |
| Croppings per year | 2 |
| Average weight at harvest (kg) | 0.250 |
| Feed conversion ratio | 1.8 |
| Survival rate (%) | 75 |
| Recovery at harvest (pieces) | 262,500 |
| Total weight at harvest (kg) | 65,625 |
| Farm gate price (PhP/kg) | 55 |
| Gross sales (PhP) | 3,609,375 |
Costs-and-returns (as of 2016)
| Total variable cost per cropping (PhP) | 2,742,000 |
| Total fixed cost per cropping (PhP) | 531,813 |
| Net income per year (PhP) | 335,562 |
| Internal rate of return (%) | 108 |
| Return-on-investment (%) | 129 |
| Payback period (years) | 0.72 |
Reference:
SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department. (2016). Tilapia hatchery and grow-out [Brochure]. Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines: Author.
Interested ako sa seminars nyo
im interested inbackyard tilapia farming
In the ESPOL Repository have information on the Statistical Analysis of the Production of Tilapia Packing Plant here is the link if you’re interested x: http://www.dspace.espol.edu.ec/handle/123456789/277