The Biology and Culture of Tilapias

Table 1. Summary of research priorities on the biology and culture of tilapias. A broken

line between the columns indicates scope for both near-tenn and sustained work on the

adjacent topic(s).

Near-term research priorities for both Priority research areas for sustained

public-funded institutions and the private work, which would benefit from institu-

sector. tional collaboration.

1. Genetics
   I
   Screening of new species and hybrids 1
   for freshwater and saltwater culture , I
   i
   Selection for fast growth, Vier I I
   fecundity and later maturation I

Chemical communication in reproductive
behavior I I
I
Cryopreservation of gametes I I

I
Elucidation of sex determination I
mechanii I I

2. Reproduction

-

Design of mass fry and fingerling

production systems

Behavioral studies relevant to

broodstock performance

Feeding behavior in culture systems

I

Va+biiity in reproductive performance

Suppression of gametogenesis by environ-

mental. behavioral or physiological

manipulation

Recruitment control by predators I I

3. Growth and Nutrition

Digestive physiology in relation to

feeding practices in culture I

Nutritional requirements of young,

growing and mature fish

Incorporation of local materials in

formulation of supplementary feeds

4. FacWies and Equipment

Feeding niche dynamics in polyculture

Metabolic pathways in relation to growth

and gametogenesis

• 
  
  
  
  • -- -- I
    Development of integrated farming I I
    system i
    Pond and cage design I I
  
  
  
  

5. Environment
   Pen, cage and pond effluent studies I


6. Fi Health
   I
   Diseases and pathology i
   i
   Acclimation and stress reactions in I I
   culture systems!