Length-Weight relationship and condition factor of tilapia species grown in marine and fresh water ponds

The aim of this study was to describe the differences in Length-Weight relationship and condition factor of Tilapia zillii and Oreochromis urolepis urolepis reared in full strength sea water (FSSW) and fresh water (FW) ponds. The environmental condition in FSSW and FW ponds were also analyzed to determine their impacts on Length-Weight relationship and condition factor on both species. The regression coefficient "b" exhibit negative allometric growth in FW and positive allometric growth in FSSW for both species. The value of exponent "b" and condition factor (K) for T. zillii in FW and FSSW (in the bracket) were found to be 2.94 (3.3) and 2.07 (0.74) respectively. On the other hand the value of exponent "b" and condition factor (K) for O. urolepis urolepis in FW and FSSW (in the bracket) were found to be 2.81 (3.46) and 0.86 (0.53) respectively. Though both species performed well in FW, the study also revelead that farming of these tilapia species in FSSW can be feasible if water quality parameters are properly monitored.