Abstract:
Lagoon tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron also known as the black-chinned tilapia or
the black-cheeked tilapia is a common fish in lagoons in Ghana, constituting over 90% of
the ichthyomass in these habitats. Unfortunately its potential in the coastal fishery
production has largely been overlooked although it supports important local subsistence
and commercial fisheries. This lecture presents a review of the biology of populations of
the species in Ghana highlighting my contributions in this regard. It will show how
characteristics as tolerance range of brackish conditions, food habits, growth,
reproductive habits, and ability to survive under harsh environmental conditions
influence the production of natural populations. Recommendations are made for
managing the natural lagoon and reservoir stocks, and aquaculture of the species.
