Tilapia

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Introduction

Tilapia is a freshwater fish species raised in Canada. Tilapia is also a warm water species. In Canada, tilapia is raised in land-based, heated-water, re-circulating systems. Tilapia is raised on a commercial scale in British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.

Basic description

The tilapia is of African origin which has gradually spread throughout the tropical and sub tropical regions of the world. Interestingly, there is evidence to suggest the Egyptians raised tilapia in ponds over 3,000 years ago. Tilapia is also referred to as "Saint Peter's Fish" because it has been said that they were the fish Peter caught when Christ told him to cast out his nets in the Sea of Galilee.

Tilapia ranks as the second most cultivated fish in the world, next to carp. Large-scale, commercial culture of tilapia is limited almost exclusively to the culture of three species: Oreochromis niloticus, O. mossambica and O. aureus. Of the three tilapia species with recognized aquaculture potential, the Nile tilapia, O. niloticus, is the most commonly used species in fish farming globally, and in Canada.

Tilapia has lean white meat with a firm and moist texture and a mild and sweet taste.

Tilapia can reach up to 45 cm (18 inches) in length and weigh approximately 2 kg. Tilapia perform best in a temperature range of 22-32ºC (72-90ºF). Growth and feeding slow when water temperatures drop below 21ºC (70ºF). 

Background

Tilapia aquaculture in Canada originated in Ontario when the provincial government granted approval for commercial production in 1995. Their high growth, hardiness, low-cost plant-protein based diets and a strong market potential make tilapia an attractive aquaculture species. Toronto, ON is widely recognized to be the single largest market for live tilapia in North America. The World Aquaculture Association predicts that tilapia production in Canada will increase quickly. Demand for live and fresh product will increase steadily, and Vancouver will become an important market.

Tilapia aquaculture is practiced throughout the United States, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Asia and Africa. China is the leading global producer of tilapia.

AquaNet, Canada's Research Network in Aquaculture, conducted a study to examine the production of transgenic (see glossary) tilapia for the treatment of diabetes.

Tilapia is being raised by a company in Nova Scotia involved with aquaponics. Aquaponics employs techniques from aquaculture and hydroponics to produce fish and plants in an environmentally-sustainable facility, which minimizes inputs such as energy and water, and has minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

For more information

Environment Canada: Pollution Prevention Success Stories

• Feature on Future Aqua Farms Limited in Nova Scotia who uses a technique called aquaponics, a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, to produce fish and plants in an environmentally-sustainable facility. They are the first commercial warm water aquaponic operation in Nova Scotia. They raise tilapia in their operation.

AquaNet Research Summary: Production of Transgenic Tilapia for the Treatment of Diabetes: ES-cell Approach

The University of Guelph developed a list of research publications, popular press articles and consultants' reports which is a useful guide to anyone wishing to learn more about tilapia. Published research papers can be accessed through most university libraries. Any questions concerning this reference listing can be directed to the Aquaculture Centre, University of Guelph, 519-824-4120 ext. 2689.

Redfish Ranch (tilapia farm in British Columbia): www.redfishranch.com (with video)

International Symposium on Tilapia in Aquaculture (September 6-8, 2006)

Future Trends of Tilapia Aquaculture in the Americas
Review of Tilapia production published by World Aquaculture Society (2000)
Author: Kevin Fitzsimmons, University of Arizona

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