Tilapia-An Introduction and Prospects of its Culture in Nepal

Tilapia, an African fish is used in warm water aquaculture throughout the world. It is a major source of protein in many developing countries. Although endemic to Africa its worldwide distribution has been widened due to its aquaculture potential, mainly since the 1950s, to include much of the tropics and subtropic. (Pullin and Maclean, 1992). Two species of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus and O. mossambicus were introduced in Nepal for the first time from Thailand in 1985 (Shrestha, 1994). The tilapia has long been regarded as a low value-trash fish. This image, however, has changed. In fact, tilapia has been now realized as a much potential food fish commodity. Tilapia can be cultured in a wide range of aquaculture systems from simple low-density backyard ponds to highly intensive commercial farms, pens, cages and raceways. It requires simple management for its cultivation.