Aquaculture: Tilapia
Tilapia, several species and their hybrids of Oreochromis, are a very large and important group of farm raised fish in the world. Tilapia farming and consumption are rapidly increasing in the United States.
They are currently grown around the world, but particularly in the tropics where wage labor rates are low. Tilapia fillets are being imported from culture facilities located in Central and South America and Southeast Asia.
Mississippi tilapia farmers must seek out local or niche markets for live whole fish since it has not been possible to compete in the fillet market.
Much of the tilapia produced in the United States is transported live to ethnic markets in major metropolitan areas of the east and west coast, the upper midwest, and Canada. Markets for live tilapia have not been fully developed in the Southeast (e.g. New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Tilapia be
raised successfully in Mississippi?
Do I need a permit to
raise Tilapia in Mississippi?
Can tilapia
be cultured in ponds in Mississippi?
Will tilapia survive
a winter in ponds in Mississippi?
How much tilapia do I
have to grow to make a living?
What are the best
ways to increase production in tilapia facilities?
What rate should I
stock my recirculating system?
Where do I market tilapia?
How serious is the risk
of tilapia escaping to the environment?
Should I grow all-male
tilapia?
How can I tell the
difference between male and female tilapia?
Can I use aquatic plants
to feed tilapia?
Who can I contact for more
information about tilapia in Mississippi?
Click
here for current prices of tilapia in the United States
