MONOSEX TILAPIA (O. niloticus) PRODUCTION UNDER TANK CULTURE: AN ALTERNATIVE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN PURBA MEDINIPUR DISTRICT, INDIA

Monosex tilapia tank culture has taken a vital role in the fish farming business for great demand and value of this species in the local and international market. Intensive tank culture system reduces the limitations of pond culture and it is continuously aerated and does not dependent on phytoplankton for O2 production. Therefore, intensive tank culture can produce very high yields, year round, on small parcels of land. High fish density in tanks disrupts breeding behavior and allows male tilapia to be grown to marketable size. The study was conducted at Kelomal village of Purba Medinipur district from August, 2016 to March, 2017 following standard protocol. The result revealed that if a person invests total cost of Rs.2879/ during 3 months in tank farming (length, width & depth ratio is 30:3:1) then the net profit is Rs.3025/ excluding all expenses. So, it is easily told that how much it is profitable (nearly 50%). The study is confined to only Tilapia nilotica (Oreochromis niloticus) other than two strains because its high growth rate under tropical region, strength, diseases less and production for twice-thrice a year. Naturally male tilapia grows rapidly than female. The main objectives of this study were to establish a sustainable aquaculture method for the production of a major animal protein source by comparing the growth pattern of monosex tilapia under tank culture systems. Therefore, commercial monosex tilapia farming can play an important role for making the people sustainable development and fulfilling the protein and nutritional demand.