Optimization of breeding (salinity, light regime, brood density and sex ratio) of cultured tilapia under brackish water of Bafgh, Iran

Tilapia is one of the most important cultured fish in the world. World production of tilapia is highly increased in recent decades. Tilapias can live in different aquatic ecosystems due to their reproductive strategies. On the other hand, the gap between seed supplies and farmers' demand is one of the most serious limitations for tilapia culturists. Notice about different effective agents on tilapia reproduction aspects might be useful for increasing of production and better management of tilapia hatcheries. Studies about tilapia were started in Iran from November 2008 for the first time. Some reproductive normative of cultured tilapia in brackishwater were defined. In the present study, sex ratio, stocking density, photoperiod, water salinty and replacement period of female brooders of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus were investigated. Studied reproduction indices showed sex ratio 1:1 (F:M), stocking density 5/m3, photoperiod 12:12 (L:D), 8ppm water salinity and 10 days replacement of brooders were suitable.