Investigating the Effects of Extended Acclimatization Period on the Growth and Survival of Sex-Reversed Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fingerlings through Communal Rearing

The right acclimatization procedure can be the first step toward successful tilapia production. However, the lack of standardized acclimatization periods poses challenges, highlighting the need for focused research to develop effective protocols that improve growth performance and survival rates in tilapia and potentially other aquatic species. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of extended acclimatization periods on the growth and survival of sex-reversed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings through communal rearing. Conducted at the Freshwater Aquaculture Center of Central Luzon State University, the study utilized nine experimental units (hapa nets) within a 1000 m² pond. Three acclimatization durations— (T1) 20, (T2) 30, and (T3) 40 minutes—were tested with corresponding replicates. Growth performances, water quality parameters, length-weight relationships, and survival rates were analyzed over a 15-day period. No significant differences were observed in the growth performances of the fingerlings across the three treatments (MWG: T1- 0.58±0.01 g, T2- 0.60±0.07 g, T3- 0.55±0.02 g; MLG: T1- 0.72±0.05 cm, T2- 0.74±0.13 cm, T3- 0.66±0.01 cm; SGR: T1- 11.48±0.12 %/day, T2- 11.15±0.45 %/day, T3- 11.32±0.23 %/day; ADG: T1- 0.030±0.001 g/day, T2- 0.032±0.005 g/day, T3- 0.029±0.001 g/day). Survival rates were 86±2.75% (T1), 83±4.86% (T2), and 84±3.23% (T3). These results indicate that sex-reversed Nile tilapia fingerlings could be acclimatized for 20 to 40 minutes without significant differences in growth performances and survival rates. Length-weight relationship analysis revealed that the fingerlings had negative allometric growth, probably caused by decreasing space in the experimental units as the fish grew. However, the obtained K values (K>1) show that the fingerlings were still in good condition. The water quality parameters in the study were within acceptable levels, though some were within the upper limit. The findings underscore the importance of standardized acclimatization protocols to enhance the resilience and growth performance of Nile tilapia in aquaculture settings.