Production management
Geographic range for tilapia culture
is temperature dependent.
Preferred water temperature range for optimum
growth is 82° to 86° F. Growth
diminishes significantly at temperatures
below 68°F and death will occur
below 50° F. Only the southernmost
states have suitable temperatures to
produce tilapia in cages. In the
southern region tilapia can be held in
cages from 5 to 12 months per year
depending on location.