Egyptian tilapia hatcheries operate on a seasonal basis as temperatures
are too low during winter months (November–February). The usual tilapia
spawning cycle in Egypt starts with stocking of breeding systems
with brood fish in February–April. Collection of fry starts two weeks
after brood fish are stocked. Heated greenhouse hatcheries start stocking
brooders and warming water in February, while hapa-based hatcheries
start stocking brooders in April. The fry then undergo sex-reversal
for 3–4 weeks before they are sold as all-male fry (0.2–0.5 g). It takes
another 4–6 weeks before these fish can be sold as fingerlings (1–5 g)