Caractéristiques biologiques et zootechniques des tilapias africains Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) et Sarotherodon melanotheron Rüppell, 1852 : une revue

Abstract

Like the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, Sarotherodon melanotheron, a typical species found in West African estuaries and lagoons, is also a good candidate for promoting tilapia farming. The information provided in this review was collected from scientific articles, books, proceedings, thesis and reports. This review presents the current knowledge on the biology, production and factors influencing the growth and survival of these two tilapia species. Their systematic positions, ecological requirements and distributions were first summarized. The food resources that they depend on (plankton, agricultural and animal wastes, ...) as well as their nutritional needs and factors influencing their food intake are then exposited. Also, their behavioral patterns and morphological features are presented. Factors influencing their growth, reproduction and parental care for eggs are also documented. Finally, the ecological, zootechnical and economic potentials of these two tilapia species were presented.