Fertility problems in the second generation of a four-species tilapia cross

Abstract

Reproductive problems were encountered in attempting to produce the second generation of a four-way cross of tilapia from interspecific F1 hybrids. The cross (Oreochromis mossambicus × O. aureus) × (Sarotherodon galilaeus × O. niloticus) successfully bred for one generation, however, not even a single batch of progeny was obtained in the subsequent generation. It was concluded that the complex genetic structure of this cross caused the fertility problem. Any similar breeding programs that are based on multi-species crosses should take into consideration that reproductive problems may occur.