Evaluation of growth, sex (male proportion; sexual dimorphism), and color segregation in four cross combinations of different strains of XX female and YY male Nile Tilapia

Abstract

Four cross combinations of different YY male and female Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus strains were evaluated for growth, sex, and color segregation. Red color parental strains included blotched phenotypes. The Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) was the only dark (wild-type) color parental strain. Fish of the same age and cross were stocked in three replicate tanks for four crosses in one recirculating system for 167 days. Data recorded included feed consumed, body weight, total length, color, sex, and fillet weight. YY males crossed with GIFT females (Cross 2) exhibited superior growth that was significantly different (p