Reproductive behavior and hatchability of <i>Tilapia guineensis</i> in plastic tanks in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Reproductive behavior and hatching rate of Tilapia guineensis eggs were observed in outdoor shrimp hatchery of Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Lagos. Six male and female broodstock of T. guineensis were stocked in plastic tanks measuring 0.9m X 0.8m X 0.8m. Average total body weight and length paired ranged from 50.0-80.4g and 14.0-16.3cm respectively. The average body weight and length were 62.5g and 15.0cm respectively. Spawning was observed between 2-5days after pairing while the yolk sac absorption occurred within 4-5days. The paired fish were fed with top feed (4.5mm) at 3% of body weight. The mean fecundity observed was 872 eggs per female spawner with average egg diameter of 1.80mm. Hatching of eggs was observed between 48-50hours after fertilization. Egg hatchability ranged from 55.5-95.1% at a mean temperature of 27.4^oC. This study report on the reproductive behavior and hatching rates of T. guineensis eggs in plastic tanks. Successful propagation of T. guineensis in plastic tanks and appreciable hatching rates will increase availability of T. guineensis all year round and increase aquaculture production of T. guineensis in Nigeria.