Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT), is one of the important candidate species for aquaculture in India . It has become a fish of choice because it is fast growing and an affordable source of animal protein.
Tilapia is the third most important fish after carps and salmon in the world. India’s contribution for export to outside countries of Tilapia is recently insignificant and there is vast potential for exporting this fish. This fish is most suitable for culture in tropical zones as the temperatures are highly suitable for fast growth. This fish can tolerate temperatures of 82-86°F .This fish is a prolific breeder and sustained efforts by several research institutions led to the production of mono sex all male culture. Presently, Genetically Modified Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) is being successfully produced and farmed in our country. This species takes only 6 months to reach to 600-900 gms size from 50-80 gm size stocking.