? Reader Question — Mathew Cora, Padimon:
Although the pond where tilapia are farmed is full of fingerlings, they are very small in size. What is the reason? Where can good fingerlings be obtained? I hear GIFT is good. Is it true? What is GIFT?
Answered by Dr. P.A. Vikas | Subject Matter Expert, KVK, Kochi | kvkernakulam@yahoo.co.in
Fingerlings are being born in the tilapia pond because there were both males and females among the fingerlings you stocked. It must be assumed that there are many female fish in this pond. They do not grow much.
- Mixed male and female stocking causes uncontrolled breeding in the pond.
- Female tilapia do not grow much.
- The pond gets overcrowded with mostly small-sized female fish.
The solution to this problem is to use only male fingerlings for farming. Male fingerlings (All-male) can be purchased alone.
- ✅ Male fingerlings (All-male) can be purchased alone.
- ✅ Using only male fingerlings for farming solves the problem of stunted growth.
GIFT stands for Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia.
- Among male fingerlings, the fastest growing are GIFT or fish belonging to the Tilapia nilotica category.
- These grow quickly.
🌱 Within 6 months, they are seen to grow from 250 to 500 grams.
Important: You must book in advance.
GIFT fingerlings are available at:
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture, MPEDA
RGCA Multi-species Aquaculture Centre
Vallarpadam, Ernakulam — 682504
📞 7736463137
Regardless of the type of fingerlings stocked, the required size will only be achieved if water quality is maintained and quality feed is provided.
- ✅ Maintain good water quality throughout the farming period.
- ✅ Provide quality feed consistently for best results.
