Page 37 - fish_farms_curriculum

Cichlids are generally the easiest fish to breed and high yields can be achieved with a small

investment. Smaller pools than the values given above can be used for these fish. Large
freshwater shrimps have a high market value, especially as fillets. Production rates vary

according to water quality and flow rate.

Picture 13. Cichlid Fish

4.1. Tilapia

Although the tilapia species is not among the natural species in our country, they have been
transferred to some lakes and streams with human intervention. In the Mediterranean region,

Israeli sea bream is known as bream. It is the most suitable fish species for geothermal fish

farming. Tilapia, which is a warm water fish, is a species with high tolerance in
environmental conditions.

As warm water fish, tilapias are tolerant of a wide range of water quality. They can live in

waters with a minimum temperature of 14°C and a maximum of 36°C, but they stop feeding
below 17°C and may die below 12°C. The ideal growth and reproduction temperature is

between 27-30˚C. When the temperature of the tank water drops in winter, it may be
necessary to heat the water. Under ideal conditions, tiddlers with a size of 50 g reach 500

grams in a period of 6 months. Harvest weight can be around 300-400 g.

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