Managing a Healthy Tilapia Operation

	Fish farming is a business that must be taken seriously. If proper management is not employed, serious losses may be encountered. Good management practices include proper and limited handling of fish, proper feeding techniques, correct stocking densities and good water quality management. This will also ensure healthy fish. External characteristics of a healthy fish include:
	Bright, mucus covered pigmented skin Flat and firm scales Bright red gills Firm and elastic muscles Clear and slightly protruded eyes No nodules, parasites or ulcers on the skin

Here are some tips for managing a healthy tilapia operation.

Sourcing seedstock | Pond preparation | Preparation for transport
Transporting | Stocking | Pond management

Sourcing Seedstock
One of the first steps in Tilapia production is the sourcing of seedstocks, which may either be fingerlings or advance fry. During investigations one should keep in mind that cheaper is not always better, neither is more expensive always healthier. Additionally, farmers must seek sources with proven record of a high percentage of all-male fish, (e.g. 97%), which will reduce the chance of reproduction occurring.

Pond Preparation
The pond should be prepared ahead of delivery so as to ensure that it is in good condition for stocking. Fertilization may occur after the ponds are cleaned and filled - or during filling.

Fertilization
Fertilization of fish ponds helps to develop algal bloom which causes the green colour in pond water. Algae are important in fish ponds because it provides another source of food for fish. However, too much algae will use up the oxygen during the night. It may also contribute to turbidity which will restrict light penetration; hence, reduce oxygen production.

Preparation for Transport
Fish should be captured and held in a separate area 24 hours before transportation. This facilitates reduction in stress due to ease of recapturing. Note also that fish should not be fed during this 24 hour period and care must be taken not to over exhaust them by lengthening their stay. Because when fish are placed for long periods in the same small amount of water, water quality starts to deteriorate.

• Dissolved oxygen (DO) is reduced
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) increases
• Other toxic compounds such as ammonia and nitrite increase

Transporting
The fish should be loaded and unloaded with minimum handling and stress. Some suppliers may arrange delivery of the fish or ensure that you (the buyer) have the equipment needed to successfully transport them.

Note that a small amount of small fish is often more easily transported in plastic bags containing water and oxygen, while larger numbers of fingerlings are best transported in hauling tanks. One should select tanks that are insulated with wood or styrofoam to reduce or maintain temperatures while the fish are being transported.

The different methods of transportation is selected based on the number of fish and the length time to be spent in transit.

Stocking
Before the arrival or even the purchasing of the fish, you should determine the quantity and size of the fish you wish to stock because overstocking can pose serious treat to fish’s health. When fish are over stocked they compete especially for oxygen and food. Where oxygen is the source of competition, larger fish will die first; however, when competition is for food, the larger and more dominant fish will survive. This is why it is also important to stock fish of equal sizes.

Stocking is done in two steps. The first step is Acclimation and the second Release & Observation

Acclimation:
Fish should be slowly adjusted to water temperature and chemistry. Proper acclimation requires minimum 15 - 20 minutes of gradual adjustment for every 10-degrees difference in water temperature.

How to Acclimate
Fish in plastic bags with oxygen
Float the bags in the receiving water without opening them until the fish are acclimatized to the temperature. Opening the bags allows the oxygen to escape, and the fish must be quickly released.
Fish in hauling tank(s)
Gradually mix the new water into the tank until temperatures are equalized.

Release & Observation:
After temperatures have been equalized, gently allow fish to swim out in open water by submerging the container. Fish which are properly handled and stocked should remain active and swim off quickly into deeper water after release.

Fish which are stressed from transport or improper acclimation often sink to the bottom, or swim weakly. Stress due to improper handling and stocking usually manifest itself in diseases and mortality, either in a matter of hours to several days, after stocking.

Pond Management

Feeding
Feeding of tilapia is done based on percentage body weight. The main problem that most farmers encounter is overfeeding. Overfeeding generally causes deterioration of water quality which then kills the fish.

Sampling
This is the selection of individuals from the total population for observation, so as to adjust feeding or to observe the health of the fish. Sampling is generally done using a seine net or a cast net.

Tilapia is best sampled using a seine because faster moving fish will escape the net giving inaccurate assessment. Which ever method is used, be sure to limit the handling of the fish and disturbance of the pond bottom.

During ‘seining’ care must be taken not to stress the fish.

1. Do not pull the net against the current
2. While hauling the net, shake out the mud
3. Do not pull the fish too close in the bag

Water Quality
Good water quality is necessary for the success of every farm. Some parameters to keep in mind are as follows:

For more information, contact the
Fisheries Division
AQUACULTURE BRANCH
Twickenham Park
Spanish Town
Tel: 984-9343 or 984-9444
Fax: 984-5194
Email: aquabranch@cwjamaica.com