How to Breed Tilapia Fish

Known for its mild-flavored flesh, tilapia is often called "aquatic chicken" by fishery experts. Tilapia is the second most cultivated freshwater fish in the world and an important protein source for people in developing countries. Resilient to disease and resistant to accumulation of hard metals and toxins, tilapia grows fast and is easy to breed. A suitable environment and plenty of food is all that is required.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Aquarium filtration system
  • Male tilapia
  • Femal tilaia
  • Brine shrimp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase an aquarium that holds at least 40 gallons. Larger tilapia will require a bigger aquarium.

    • 2

      Fill the tank. Place rocks in the tank to provide surfaces for tilapia to lay their eggs on. Properly manage the water in the tank with frequent cleaning. Use either a flow-through or recirculation filtration system. Maintain the water temperature at 82 to 86 degrees. Do not let the water get below 55 degrees.

    • 3

      Obtain a breeding couple, or purchase a group of young couples and let them grow together. Fish breeders recommend placing schools of young couples together in order that they may find a match from several choices.

    • 4

      Observe the tilapia to see which males and females are attracted to each other. Separate successful mating pairs. If possible, place mating pairs in a smaller separate tank or cordon them off from the other fish. This increases the likelihood of them producing more offspring.

    • 5

      Watch for signs of eggs being laid. Tilapia will often pick a safe place, such as an indent in a rock, to lay eggs so they can be fertilized and grow undisturbed. Fertilized eggs will grow into yolk sacs.

    • 6

      Watch for the yolk sac containing the fry (baby tilapia) to break and released the baby fish. Begin feeding the fry newly hatched brine shrimp. Keep feeding the fry brine shrimp until they mature. The rest is up to Mom and Dad. But don't worry; tilapia parents are highly devoted to their offspring.