Luther G. McBay

The Biology of Tilapia Nilotica Linneaus

Studies concerning the reproductive behavior, spawning temperatures, fecundity, period of egg formation, food habits, and lower lethal temperatures of the exotic cichlid, Tilapia nilotiea, were conducted in aquaria and in earthen ponds at Auburn University, during the period of April 1959 to June 1960. These studies suggest that the spawning behavior of T. nilotiea is typical of that of many cichlids and consists of schooling by the females, territorial establishment by the males, an intricate prespawning courtship, spawning, and parental care by the female. During this period of parental...