| The history of the red tilapia | |
| By Nicolas James |
Source: farmersweekly |
4/2/2014 |
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Back in the mid-1980s, a red or, more correctly, orange strain of tilapia began appearing in the aquaculture industry. It was immediately seen as an attractive food-fish option due to its close resemblance to popular marine species such as red roman or red snapper. Research indicates the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), our blue kurper, is the species most likely to exhibit this red colour trait, either totally or partially, although red Tilapia rendalli have also been reported. |
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These fish are near-albino or ‘xanthic’ – an absence of melanin in the skin allows the blood vessels to show through, but the eyes remain pigmented. Any form of albinism usually results in a degree of weakness in the animal, and inbreeding near-albino fish to produce a ‘red strain’ gives rise to ‘inbreeding depression’. This genetic condition is caused by breeding from a limited gene pool, and results in a reduction in general health. |
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