Tilapia (Tilapini) as one of the main objects of modern aquaculture. Experience of cultivation in Israel (review)

The Israeli experience of cultivating tilapia as one of the main aquaculture objects is relevant for Ukraine, since these fish species were successfully imported into the country, but not widely used in fisheries. Tilapia has become the third most important fish in aquaculture after carp and salmon; worldwide production exceeded 1,500,000 tons in 2002 and increases annually. Because of their high protein content, large size, rapid growth (6-7 months to grow to harvest size), and palatability, a number of tilapiine cichlids-specifically, various species of Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and Tilapia are the focus of major aquaculture efforts. The work is a follow-up of the training course 'Intensive Pond Fish Culture', which was held in Israel in December 2016, and is a brief overview of the role of tilapias in the world's aquaculture and the technological schemes using which they are cultured in this country. In particular, data on world export and import of this fish in 2016, and the gastronomic value of its meat are considered. The systematic position of the tribe of tilapias is described; fish breeding and biological properties of the main species used in fisheries are summarized. The species successfully cultivated in Israel and the technologies that allow it to be achieved are focused on. Results of the research into tilapia breeding in domestic industrial conditions are provided. Ways of efficiency increase in tilapia breeding are discussed. The review can be used to popularize tilapias as aquaculture facilities and upgrade existing technologies for their cultivation in Ukraine.