Effect of temperature and female weight on reproductive performance of two Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) populations

he present study aimed to investigate the effect of temperature and female weight on reproductive performance of Nile tilapia. Reproductive performances of Oreochromis niloticus broodstock from two populations (Kafr Elshiek and Abbassa) were examined in hapas held in concreat tankes through three months (May, June and July 2010) in one spawning season at Abbassa (CLAR). A total of150 females (291.94, 385.68 & 455.68 g) and 75 males (300.148, 300.25 – 300.3 g) from Kafr Elshiek and 150 females (292.5, 387.280 & 456.22 g) and 75 males (300.254–300.44 g) from Abbassa farm were assigned to 6 haps in 2 concrete ponds (75 m 2 ) at a density of 50 females and 25 males per hapa (3x8x1m ie 24 m 3 water volume). Fish were exposed to different levels of water temperature ranging from 26.2 o C to 29.6 o C during the three months.