Photo credit: Ismael Radwan (Egypt)
Description: Abdel Rahman El Gamal
Tilapia fingerlings when reaching a weight of about 15-20 grams can be sexed by looking at the genital papilla which is located behind the anus. The genital papilla has a single opening in males (for urine and milt) while females have two openings; one for urine and one for eggs. Training will be required in order to achieve better results; however, some farm workers are more skilled than others in this operation. The use of colored dyes will make it easier to sex tilapia fingerlings. The application the dye such as gentian violet, India ink, halcyon blue or indigo to the papilla with a soft brush or cotton swab will outline the male and female openings.
