The word tilapia was first associated with mouth-breeding cichlids. The most common Tilapia is the Tilapia mossambica this mouth breeding species originated in Africa. The female usually carries the eggs, which is said to be fertilized within her mouth.
It was first introduced as an exotic aquarium fishes until it was introduced in the tropic as a food fish. This fish takes in any food and very productive.
In the Philippines tilapia is the second most sought after fish, the first being the milkfish or bangus. In 1972 it was introduced in our country and since then it’s popularity is raising.
In taal, Batangas usually you could find fish cages on which tilapia is the inhabitant. In areas like Bulacan and Pampanga tilapia culture is done through pounds and some in fish cages.
Some producers of Tilapia use poultry manure in their ponds. There is a misconception about this in such that people think that the manure is the feed of the fish. Contrary to this, the manure is used to promote growth of the algae which is in return becomes the food of the tilapia.
A few year’s back one fish farmer told me that their farm only uses poultry manure and after 2-3 months they sale their tilapia. Usually at this stage 5-6 tilapia is equivalent to 1 kilo and this is more preferred by customers. The reason behind this is that those who are in the average to poor bracket can afford this and at the same time can divide the fish equally among family members.