The community of Tilapia is one of the most lucrative agricultural companies that is rapidly gaining worldwide popularity. They would definitely benefit from its fast growth rate and mild-tasting flesh, if the practitioners decide to grow tilapia in a pond, a hapa, or a tank. However, there are different varieties of tilapia that one can choose from, just like other fish species, and it can be very daunting, especially for beginners. If the purpose is to benefit commercially from selling tilapia, it is important to recognise which tilapia breed is growing the fastest.
The following are noteworthy for having the best characteristics, including their rapid growth rate, among the many varieties of tilapia used in fish culture and other recirculating systems:
1.Nile Tilapia Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Tilapia 2.Mozambique (Oreochromis mossambicus)
In this article, we will address some of the variables that influence the growth rate of tilapia, the difference between growing mono-sex and mixed-sex tilapia, and the fastest growing tilapia breeds.
Factors that influence the rate of growth of tilapia
The fish’s growth rate varies from species to species. Because of its different strains, it is also difficult to identify which species grows the fastest. There are, however, a range of factors that usually affect fish growth rates, primarily environmental and management factors. This involve the supply of food and oxygen, water temperature, storage, and water quality. Before looking into what breed of tilapia grows the fastest, it is important to understand all these factors.
Availability of food and oxygen
Two of the most important factors that dramatically contribute to the growth rate of tilapia are food and oxygen. As tilapia is primarily herbivorous, it will quickly help them achieve their mature size by feeding them a sufficient amount of plant-based food. The practitioner needs to make sure that they have enough algae to promote growth if they are cultured in ponds. Meanwhile, if grown in tanks, organic plant-based feed available from local stores and Amazon should be given.
Like humans, oxygen is also important for fish, since it helps them with survival and food intake. Photosynthesis and atmospheric oxygen provide the fish with ample dissolved oxygen for pond culture to eat food well and grow at the rate they are supposed to. However, in pools, the practitioner has to provide aeration to sustain the fish’s needs.
Temperature of Water
Since fish, like tilapia, can not control their body temperature, they depend on the water temperature to change their temperature. This means that the water temperature in general should be kept at 82 to 86 °F for tilapia to develop quickly. Since tilapia is a hot water fish, given the correct temperature, it metabolises quickly and its respiration increases, which affects its development.
Stocking With
Stocking tilapia properly in a pond or tank is important because it contributes directly to its growth rate. There is a greater risk that the fish will compete for food and living space if the stocking density is not proportionate to the size of the pond or tank, which can impede their development.
Value of Water
Water quality is another important factor that encourages the growth of tilapia. Because unique water parameters are needed for each variety of tilapia, strict adherence should be made to ensure that the fish reaches its intended size, which results in higher production. Maintaining the right pH, alkalinity, hardness, and DO are some of the critical water quality parameters.
