Status and prospects of tilapia culture in Taiwan. In：L. Fishelson and Z. Yaron (compilers)

Abstract

Tilapia is an important exotic fish cultured in Taiwan, where sixs species have introduced, viz. Tilapia zillii, T. rendalli, Oreochromis mossambicus, O. niloticus, O. aureus and O. hornorum. There are also two strains of red tilapia, one originating from Taiwan and the other forom the Philippines. Two hybrids, O. mossambicus x O. niloticus and O. niloticus x O. aureus will also be reported in the present paper, as they are popular culture species. The history of tilapia culture in Taiwan is no longer than 40 years, but, due to benefit of weather, introduction of suitable species and improvement of culture techniques, the total production is now over 80,000 tons a year, and the yield of 3-6 tons from one octagonal pond of 100 m*m was achieved with a feed conversion rate of 1.2-1.5. The sttus of tilapia culture as well as its existing problems including maintenance of the pure broodstocks, physiology and ecology, selective breeding, production of all-male progeny, development of artificial feed, live transportation, and marketing are summarized and discussed. Tilapia farming is now continuing to expand with very bright prospect in Taiwan.