Genetic improvement programs for red tilapia Oreochromis spp in Asia

Red tilapia (Oreochromis spp) has become popular in Asian countries due to its greater economic value relative to Nile tilapia. As there is a growing demand for quality seed of this species, the WorldFish Center has initiated a genetic improvement program for red tilapia in Thailand and another one in Malaysia. The ultimate aim of the project is to develop a genetically improved strain of red tilapia with uniform red coloration, high survival and good adaptation to local environment. A successful development of genetically improved strains of red tilapia is expected to have a direct beneficial impact on fish farmers of developing countries in the region.