Density and Temperature Effects on Overwintered Tilapia aurea

Abstract

Tilapia are currently being evaluated as a potential aquaculture organism. Tilapia culture is restricted by the organism's limited low temperature tolerance and its tendency toward overpopulation resulting in a reduction in growth rates. The present research was conducted to determine growth rates of tilapia held overwinter in flow-through tanks stocked at various densities. Results indicate that tested densities did not limit growth of tilapia. This was attributed to unanticipated slow growth in both ambient and heated water. Economically, the flow-through design did not appear to be feasible for overwintering fish at elevated temperatures, because of its inefficient use of heated water.