Is it suitable to raise tilapia in captivity? - SUNSHINE Industrial

Tilapia in captivity can be fed plant-based feeds such as wheat, corn, soybean meal, and rice bran, which are their preferred feeds. In addition to these foods, farmers can also choose to feed them a rich diet of animal-based feeds such as shrimp, earthworms, bloodworms, and plankton to ensure adequate nutrition. Tilapia are omnivorous fish and can consume both common animal and plant-based feeds. A balanced diet can best promote their growth.

The FishNet Alliance, a network of fishermen from multiple African countries, has called for caution regarding Nigeria's plan to introduce genetically modified tilapia.

The key to raising tilapia in captivity lies in water quality management, proper feeding, and stocking of fry. Tilapia are highly adaptable to their environment, with an optimal growth temperature between 28-32°C. They require a nutritionally comprehensive feed, using fertilized water in the early stages, and supplementing with a complete formula feed in the middle stages. Adequate dissolved oxygen and good water quality are also important. Stocking should be appropriate based on stocking density, and pond inspections should be conducted frequently to prevent disease. Pre-stocking Preparations.

1. Pond Disinfection:

Before stocking, the pond must be disinfected with a disinfectant such as quicklime. Fish should be stocked only after any toxicity has dissipated.

2. Water Fertilization:

Initially, organic fertilizers (such as livestock and poultry manure) can be applied to enrich the water, cultivate plankton, and provide natural food.

Fish Fry Stocking and Density

Stocking Time: Stocking fry can begin in spring, when water temperatures remain stable above 15°C.

Stocking Density: Density affects fish growth rate and should be determined based on the specific aquaculture model (pond, circulating water) and equipment.

Water Quality Management

Water Temperature Requirements: Tilapia optimally grows in a water temperature between 28-32°C, and should be stocked within this ideal temperature range.

Fat, Lively, and Fresh: The aquaculture water should maintain a fertile, lively, and fresh state.

Dissolved Oxygen: High-density aeration requires aeration equipment to maintain a dissolved oxygen level above 5 mg/L. Regular Water Addition: Regularly add fresh water to improve water quality, especially during hot seasons.

Feeding Management and Feeding

Feed Selection: Tilapia is an omnivorous fish. In captivity, they can be fed wheat, corn, soybean cake, and other ingredients, as well as specialized compound feeds.

The "Four Determined" Principle: Feeding should be of a consistent quality, quantity, timing, and location.

Feed Amount Adjustment: In the early stages (when fry reach approximately 200 grams), feed 3-5% of their body weight. Gradually adjust the feed amount and protein content.

Pond Inspection and Disease Prevention

Increase Pond Inspections: During hot seasons, increase pond inspections to monitor fish growth and water quality.

Disease Prevention: Maintaining good water quality is key to preventing fish diseases.

Sex Control

Faster Growth of Males: Male tilapia grow faster than females, so the proportion of males can be appropriately increased.

Artificial Control: Genetic manipulation of tilapia sex is possible through genetic technology, improving aquaculture efficiency.