By Agronigeria
Tilapia fish farming is a good and lucrative business. It is new
in Nigeria and the demand in the country is on the rise with few farmers
exploring this venture.
Tilapia fish farming is becoming more popular because Tilapia is
easier to raise compared to most fish breeds and it is highly resistant to
diseases. Tilapia can survive in diverse temperature conditions and feeds on
vegetable. Hence, tilapia farmers will make profit because any product
from the farmer will be mopped up.
Setting up a Tilapia farm:
Nigeria has extremely good conditions to encourage tilapia
production due to its favorable weather conditions all year round thus
Nigerians can venture into tilapia farming. Before establishing a tilapia farm,
the following must be considered before you start up a tilapia fish farm in
Nigeria.
Source of water:
A regular and accessible source of water is important to set up
a tilapia farm. The water should be of favorable pH and temperature of about 28
degrees Celsius. The location of the farm should be free from
flooding.
Environmental condition:
Tilapia lives in water, thus, the physical and chemical
constituent of the water affects the fish either positively or adversely. To
achieve maximum yield, the water should be between 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.
The pH level of the water should be suitable for the survival of the fish.
Substances that can pollute the farm should be cleared out and the farm should
be kept free of predators.
Choice of fingerling:
There are four common breeds of Tilapia. Oreochromis is the most
common specie of tilapia fish but Blue Tilapia has the fastest growth rate.
A farmer can buy tilapia fingerlings and raise them until they attain a
required size before they are sold or he can breed his own stock.
Pond Construction:
Tilapia fish can be reared artificially in a pond. These are
cheaper to construct for farmers and tilapia production specialists. A pond
should be able to hold water and allow natural biological activities occur
thereby providing the conditions necessary for optimal production. Also, a
properly constructed and managed pond, gives a good yield and vice versa.
Hence, the farmer should pay good attention to construct an ideal pond for his
fishes. When constructing an artificial pond, ensure that its depth allows
water to flow into it. The floor of the pond should be surging. An ideal pond
floor should be made of clay or concrete with compost and have a pH level of 7
or 8. There should be an inlet for water and a channel to drain it when
necessary.
Feeding:
Feeding tilapia is quite easy because tilapias feed on
almost all food sources and can thrive solely on pellets, the fish can also
survive on very common substances like algae, fish feed, larvae, insects
etc. Tilapia are typically fed moderate to high protein pelleted diets at
rates ranging from 1.0% to 30% of their body weight per day depending upon
their age and size. To prevent competition, ensure that the fishes have enough
food. By providing essential nutrients to tilapia, you enable them grow faster
and reach harvesting size as quickly as possible.
Breeding:
This involves multiplying the population of the tilapias in your
pond to maximize profit. There are four common breeds of Tilapia but the
one with the fastest growth rate is the Blue Tilapia. Another breed with high
growth rate is the Nile Tilapia.
However, it is worthy of note that female tilapia are very
active in reproduction and can produce as much as 250 fingerlings in three
weeks so caution should be taken to check over population. These include having
more male tilapia in your pond, using hormones and using some specific breed.
Again, the fingerlings should be placed in a different pond from the adults to
prevent them from competing with the adults and growing better.
Harvesting:
The fish can be harvested individually using hooks or by hand or
they can be harvested collectively by either using nets or draining the pond.
Disease control and Treatment:
To prevent the outbreak of disease in the pond, it should be
cleaned regularly. Its water should be changed immediately it gets dirty and
the population of the fish should be checked to prevent overcrowding. Again,
any new fish that is being introduced should be quarantined to prevent infection.
In case of a disease outbreak, changing the water is essential. Seek veterinary
assistance immediately.
Conclusion:
Tilapias are the second most popular fishes used in
Nigerian meals and this aquaculture business has great potential for
sustainable income. However, it also requires a proper feasibility study of the
fish farming business by estimating the size of your potential market, cost of
farm products, and other essential factors.
