The effect of predation by Lates niloticus on over population and stunting in mixed sex culture of tilapia species in ponds
1987
Ofori, J.K. (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Accra (Ghana). Inst. of Aquatic Biology)
The effect of using Lates niloticus, a predator fish to control over-population of tilapia species in ponds is reported. Four ponds of 0.2 ha capacity each, were initially stocked with tilapia fingerlings and reared for 3 months. The predator was then introduced in batches of 0, 8, 13 and 25 ponds A (control), B, C and D respectively. The two fish species were further cultured together for 5 months. The highest total annual fish production of 1477.1 kg/ha/yr, and a larger number of smaller size fish were recorded for pond A. Pond B with the lowest predator-prey ratio of 1:250 had the highest tilapia production while pond D, with predator-prey ratio of 1:80 produced the lowest. The relative abundance of tilapia species is in the order S. galilaeus T. zillii O. niloticus. Culturing Lates niloticus with mixed sexes of tilapia species resulted in the impovement of fish size and prevented overcrowding. Stocking ratio of 1:150 (predator-prey) is favourable for tilapia rearing
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