Abstract

Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a cornerstone of global aquaculture, providing a vital source of protein and economic livelihood. The rapid expansion of tilapia farming necessitates continuous genetic improvement to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience against environmental challenges and diseases. This review synthesizes the significant advancements in genetic improvement strategies for Nile Tilapia, focusing on both traditional selective breeding programs and cutting-edge genomic approaches. We discuss the historical impact of initiatives like the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) project, highlighting their contributions to growth rate and feed efficiency. Furthermore, the review delves into the transformative potential of genomic tools, including Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), and Genomic Selection (GS), in accelerating genetic gains for complex traits such as disease resistance, fillet yield, and environmental tolerance. The integration of these advanced technologies promises to overcome limitations of conventional breeding, offering more precise and efficient selection processes. Finally, explore future directions, emphasizing the role of phenomics, low-cost sequencing, functional genomics, and gene editing in shaping the next generation of sustainable Nile Tilapia aquaculture.