FAT METABOLISM IN TILAPIAZILLll GERV. I. Seasonal Variation in the General Condition and Feeding Activity of Tilapiazillii from lake maruit.

FAT METABOLISM IN TILAPIAZILLll GERV.
I. Seasonal Variation in the General Condition and Feeding Activity of
Tilapiazillii from lake maruit.
By
A.M. EL-MAGHRABY, A. EZZAT AND H.H. SALE!!
Oceanography Department, Faculty of Science,
Alexandria University, and
Alexandria Institute of Oceanography and Fishery

INTRODUCTION
The three cichlid species of the genus Tilapia namely Tilapia zillii, Tilapia
nilotica and Tilapia galilae are economically important fishes supporting the fishing industry of inland and lake waters in Egypt. Of these species, Tilapia zillii
is perhaps the most common, it is a prolific fish which attains sexual maturity
during its first year of life, and is capable of with-standing increasing salinity in
its ambiant medium up to 29%0 For this reason it has a more wider distribution.
The biology of Tilopia zillii in different habitats has been the subject of various
studies, particularly its population in lake Quarun and Lake Mariut. (El Zarka,
1962; Shaheen, 1969; Botros, 1969). It is aimed in this study to outline the
fat metabolism in this fish and the biological factors affecting the changes in the
fat content of its various organs. These studies are essential for the completion
of the physio-ecology of the fish, which would help in the estimation of its economic importance in fish culture.