Tilapia (Tilapini) as one of the main objects of modern aquaculture. Experience of cultivation in Israel (review)

Purpose. The State of Israel, for a short period in 1948, despite the difficult political and climatic and geographical conditions, demonstrates a stable development of aquaculture. In this regard, the Israeli experience of cultivating tilapia as one of the main objects of world aquaculture is relevant for Ukraine, especially since these fish species were successfully imported into our country, but not widely used in fisheries. Findings. Tilapia has become the third most important fish in aquaculture after carp and salmon; worldwide production exceeded 1,500,000 metric tons in 2002 and increases annually. Because of their high protein content, large size, rapid growth (6 to 7 months to grow to harvest size), and palatability, a number of tilapiine cichlids—specifically, various species of Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and Tilapia – are the focus of major aquaculture efforts. The work written by the organizer and participants of the of the training course “Intensive Pond Fish Culture”, which was held in Israel in December 2016, is a brief overview of the role of tilapias in the world's aquaculture and the technological schemes by which they are cultivated in this country. In particular, data on world exports and imports of fish in 2016; the gastronomic value of meat is considered; the systematic position of the tribe of tilapias is described; summarizes fish breeding and biological characteristics of the main species used in fisheries. Special attention is focused on the species successfully cultivated in Israel and the technologies that allow it to be achieved. Results of research into tilapia breeding in domestic industrial fish breeding are provided in the article. Ways of effi ciency increase in tilapia breedingare focused in the article. Practical value. This review can be used to popularize tilapias as aquaculture facilities and upgrade existing technologies for their cultivation in Ukraine, as well as in educational and scientific activities.