Environmental regulation of sexual maturation and reproduction in tilapia

The critical predictive and/or proximate environmental cues identified in the literature that affect the onset of first sexual maturation and reproduction of tilapiine cichlids of the genera Tilapia, Sarotherodon, and Oreochromis are light intensity, food quality and availability, environmental stability, and level of social interaction. Absolute values and fluctuations of these environmental parameters interact with endogenous rhythms, the genome, and life history events to produce observed variations in the onset of sexual maturation and reproduction. A greater understanding of the relationship between environment and reproduction is required to improve the ability of aquaculturists to control tilapia breeding.