Development, prospects and problems of the tilapia cage culture industry in The Philippines

Abstract The Philippines has vast freshwater resources for cage culture of fish. Two tilapia species, Tilapia mossambica and Tilapia nilotica , are cultured commercially in cages in several lakes. Field testing for cage culture of Tilapia nilotica , the preferred species, is described. A pilot commerical cage farm has been established. The major problems affecting development are the short supply of quality fingerlings, the lack of a standard commercial feed, and the increasing costs of cage construction. Recommendations for resolving these problems are given.