Optimum Salinity Level for Seed Production and Survival of Red Tilapia (Hybrid) in Concrete Tanks

This study was conducted to examine the effects of varying salinity levels (0[per thousand]-30[per thousand] with 5% increment) on breeding of red tilapia. Brood fish were stocked in hapa nets suspended in cemented rectangular tanks (11×7×4 feet) . Three females (mean weight 145 g) and one male (140 g) were kept per tank with 2 replications. They were fed with commercial floating pellets having 35% crude protein at 2% body weight twice a day for 60 days and eggs were collected weekly. Results showed that fertilized eggs were found to be greater in number at low salinity level as compared to higher salinity level. Survival of fry ranged from 1058 to 1100 at salinity level of 0[per thousand] - 20[per thousand] with 5% increment, after which fry number decreased significantly (P