Tilapia farming continues to grow worldwide due to its fast growth rate, adaptability, and strong market demand. However, one critical factor determines success more than any other: proper feeding at each life stage. Using the correct feeding formulas improves survival, accelerates growth, reduces waste, and lowers production costs.

1. Fresh (0–1 g)

• Type of feed: micronized powder or finely ground fishmeal.
• Crude protein: 40–45%.
• Fat: 8–10%.
• Feeding rate: 30–10% of body weight/day.
• Frequency: 6–8 feedings/day.
• Goal: to ensure maximum survival and a rapid start.

2. Fry (1–5 g)

• Type of feed: crumbles or 1–1.5 mm pellets.
• Crude protein: 35–40%.
• Fat: 7–8%.
• Feeding rate: 10–6% of body weight/day.
• Frequency: 4 feedings/day.
• Goal: rapid and uniform growth, preventing stunting. 3. Fingerlings (5–20 g)
• Feed type: 1.5–2 mm floating/sinking pellets.
• Crude protein: 30–35%.
• Fat: 6–7%.
• Feeding rate: 6–4% of body weight/day.
• Frequency: 3–4 meals/day.
• Objective: To build resistance and prepare for transfer to tanks or cages.

1. Juveniles (20–100 g)

• Feed type: 2–3 mm pellets.
• Crude protein: 28–30%.
• Fat: 5–6%.
• Feeding rate: 4–3% of body weight/day.
• Frequency: 2 meals/day.
• Objective: To optimize feed conversion and minimize costs.

1. Adults (100–250 g and over)*

• Feed type: 3–4 mm pellets.
• Crude protein: 20–25%.
• Fat: 4–5%.
• Feeding rate: 3–2% of body weight/day.
• Frequency: 2 feedings/day.
• Objective: to maximize meat yield and prepare for market.

Key points to remember

• High protein initially to support rapid growth.
• Gradual reduction in protein and increase in energy with age.
• Feeding frequency decreases as the fish grows.
• Particle size adapted to mouth size to avoid waste.

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Why Age-Specific Feeding Matters in Tilapia Farming

Tilapia nutritional needs change as they grow. Young fish require high protein for tissue development, while older fish need balanced energy to improve feed conversion efficiency.

Incorrect feeding can lead to:

• Slow growth
• High mortality
• Feed wastage
• Poor meat quality

Applying age-appropriate feeding strategies ensures optimal performance and profitability.

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1. Fresh Tilapia (0–1 g)

Feed Characteristics

• Type of feed: Micronized powder or finely ground fishmeal
• Crude protein: 40–45%
• Fat: 8–10%

Feeding Management

• Feeding rate: 30–10% of body weight per day
• Frequency: 6–8 feedings per day

Primary Goal

At this stage, the digestive system is still developing. The goal is maximum survival and rapid early growth. Fine particles allow easy ingestion and digestion while preventing starvation.

Expert Tip: Maintain stable water temperature and excellent oxygen levels to support high feeding frequency.

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2. Fry Stage (1–5 g)

Feed Characteristics

• Type of feed: Crumbles or 1–1.5 mm pellets
• Crude protein: 35–40%
• Fat: 7–8%

Feeding Management

• Feeding rate: 10–6% of body weight per day
• Frequency: 4 feedings per day

Primary Goal

This stage focuses on uniform and rapid growth. Consistent feeding prevents size variation and reduces the risk of cannibalism or stunting.

Best Practice: Use floating feed to monitor consumption and reduce waste.

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3. Fingerlings (5–20 g)

Feed Characteristics

• Feed type: 1.5–2 mm floating or sinking pellets
• Crude protein: 30–35%
• Fat: 6–7%

Feeding Management

• Feeding rate: 6–4% of body weight per day
• Frequency: 3–4 meals per day

Primary Objective

At this stage, fish develop stronger immune systems and body structure. The aim is to build resistance and prepare fish for transfer to grow-out systems such as tanks, ponds, or cages.

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4. Juveniles (20–100 g)

Feed Characteristics

• Feed type: 2–3 mm pellets
• Crude protein: 28–30%
• Fat: 5–6%

Feeding Management

• Feeding rate: 4–3% of body weight per day
• Frequency: 2 meals per day

Primary Objective

The focus shifts to feed conversion efficiency. Fish grow rapidly but require less protein as muscle development stabilizes.

Cost-Saving Tip: This is the stage where optimized feeding significantly reduces production costs.

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5. Adult Tilapia (100–250 g and Over)

Feed Characteristics

• Feed type: 3–4 mm pellets
• Crude protein: 20–25%
• Fat: 4–5%

Feeding Management

• Feeding rate: 3–2% of body weight per day
• Frequency: 2 feedings per day

Primary Objective

The final goal is to maximize meat yield and prepare fish for market. Overfeeding at this stage increases fat deposition and reduces profitability.

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Key Points to Remember in Tilapia Feeding

• High protein levels are essential during early life stages
• Protein requirements decrease as fish grow
• Feeding frequency declines with age
• Pellet size must match mouth size to prevent waste
• Monitor feeding behavior daily to adjust rations

These FEEDING FORMULAS FOR TILAPIA ACCORDING TO AGE are widely accepted benchmarks in intensive aquaculture systems worldwide.

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1. How often should tilapia be fed daily?

It depends on age. Fresh fry require up to 8 feedings per day, while adults need only 2.

2. Can I use the same feed for all tilapia sizes?

No. Pellet size and protein levels must match fish size and growth stage.

3. What happens if protein levels are too low?

Low protein causes slow growth, weak immunity, and poor feed efficiency.

4. Is floating feed better than sinking feed?

Floating feed allows monitoring and reduces waste, especially in ponds and cages.

5. How do I calculate feeding rate accurately?

Weigh a sample of fish weekly and adjust feeding percentages accordingly.

6. Are these feeding formulas suitable for intensive farming?

Yes. These formulas are standard references for intensive and semi-intensive aquaculture systems.

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Proper feeding is the backbone of profitable tilapia farming. By applying FEEDING FORMULAS FOR TILAPIA ACCORDING TO AGE, farmers can improve survival rates, achieve faster growth, reduce costs, and deliver high-quality fish to the market.

Consistent monitoring, correct pellet size, and balanced nutrition make all the difference between average and outstanding results.

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