Saltwater tilapia breeding programme shows promise
A team of researchers based in Singapore claim to be close to their goal of developing a strain of tilapia that can thrive in salt water.
Tilapia are generally raised in freshwater, their natural environment Photo: © Spring Genetics
Attempts to farm tilapia, naturally a freshwater range of species, in marine environments have previously met with mixed results, with the fish generally experiencing high mortality rates.
However, after eight years of working on a breeding programme, a team of researchers based at the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) told Channel News Asia that they have "almost achieved" their goal.
"We have been hoping to achieve high-yield, fast-growth tilapia that can survive in sea water. I think we have almost achieved that," said research investigator Liew Woie Chang.
The breeding programme is now into its fifth generation of salt-tolerant individuals, and the gains have been achieved without the use of genetic modification.
Related news
Does gene editing impact salmon growth or welfare? Salmon rendered sterile through gene editing are exhibiting encouraging behaviour and performance during the grow-out phase, according to new research results.
Fish disease - Haemorrhagic organs Viral, bacterial infections and even nutritional disorders are reasons for haemorrhagic organs in fishes.
Fish disease - Amino acid deficiency Signs of deficiency of dietary amino acids in fishes generally include reduced growth, poor feed conversion and reduced appetite.