ML :

I am providing info to the forum as a whole not disputing anything. You asked why the male only approach in the articles and I answered as per the fact sheets. My reason for posting the info is to encourage others who don't know how all this fits together to go and read the fact sheets and other posts here and material elsewhere to get informed. Learning is the key. Everyone here should , but many don't , know the differences between aquaculture operations and recreational ponds. That is stressed in my post because it is important so others will have a context in which to read , both the post and understand the fact sheets.

For example this text from my post,

"Species such as Tilapia zilli, T. hornorum, or T. mossambica are not suitable for mixed-sex culture because they reproduce at an age of 2
to 3 months and at an unmarketable size of 30 grams or less."

is directly from the fact sheet, is correct in the aquaculture context, but the conclusion "are not suitable for mixed-sex culture " is dead wrong in the pond context. Why -- because the goals are opposite. In the aquaculture setting the goal is quick growth to eating size while in the pond context it is many offspring of the proper forage size for the predator fish. Further the fact sheets jump around between aquaculture points and methods and can be confusing. The reader has to stop and think about what is written and see if the point has positive or negative application to a recreational pond. There are both types of points made in the fact sheets (some are good for ponds some are not).

Tilapia are strong forage producers as are BG , FH , Tshad and others. They each have their own characteristics which can be positive , negative or neutral depending on the situation. Forum members need to know or learn about all of this so they can make wise choices.

I will say that tilapia are being grown worldwide in aquaculture operations in an attempt to feed the world or at least provide some protein. I do think the fisheries biologists and organizations who are doing so are smart and will use their efforts and resources on the best fish and methods that are available to them to try and feed those in need.

I trust this will clear up my purpose and methods. \:\) My goal in posting had nothing to do with your writing style or your opinion or points about tilapia.

Theo you make my point well -- in the fact sheets male only method they make NO offspring (nor are they wanted) while in the pond they make lots (and are the purpose).