Hatchery production of Florida red tilapia seed in brackishwater tanks: the influence of broodstock age

Abstract

Abstract. Production of Florida red tilapia seed (eggs, sacfry and fry) in 34-m2 above-ground tanks using recirculated brackishwater (12 ppt) was studied over a 5-month period on Lee Stocking Island (Exuma Cays, Bahamas). Four tanks were stocked with year class 1 (YCI) breeders, while 2 tanks were stocked with year class 2 (YCII) breeders at densities of 200 and 240/tank (5·9 and 7·1/m2), respectively, and at a sex ratio of 3 females to 1 male, beginning in November 1988. Seed production was measured by removing free-swimming fry from tanks and eggs and sacfry from the mouths of brooding females, and assessing the number of each at 15 to 16-day intervals from February to June 1989. Average seed production (seed/m2/day) was significantly higher in YCI (52·3) than in YCII (36·0) broodstock, indicating the advantages of replacing broodstock with yearling breeders each year.