A Simple Self-Contained Incubator for Cichlid Eggs

G.B. Brooks, Jr.2002

North American Journal of Aquaculture, 64(2): 164–166

Abstract:

This report describes a simplified, low-cost method for artificially incubating eggs of mouth-brooding tilapia Oreochromis spp. The complete incubator consists of an aquarium and a core element that agitates the eggs with a low-head airlift pump. This technique was flexible and simple in design and construction. In addition, the technique was self-contained and in most circumstances required only a source of compressed air to function. Using a 0.3-L egg chamber within a 38-L aquarium, up to 1,000 tilapia eggs were successfully reared to swim-up fry with minimal losses (5–10%). A commercial test using a 95-L reservoir and multiple cores consistently produced batches exceeding 15,000 fry. This technique is suited for both commercial hatchery and middle school through college laboratory use.

(Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project, Department of Land and Water Resource, Gila River Indian Community, Post Office Box C, Sacaton, Arizona 85247, USA)

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