ABSTRACT
Tilapias originated in Africa. They have a rapid growth rate and relatively few diseases, probably because of the nature of the environment within which they have evolved, with its regular droughts and other stresses. They have become one of the most economically important group of cultured species. Tilapia farms are widespread in the tropics and subtropics. The fish are reared in ponds, cages, or pens, and they grow well in freshwater and brackishwater environments. The high fecundity of the fish, its rapid growth rate, its few disease problems, and the ready availability of tilapia fry have resulted in intensification of production. Papers on diseases of tilapia were first published early this century.
