Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Selective breeding is used in aquaculture to improve desirable traits such as growth rate, disease resistance, and survival.
International research organizations collaborate to develop high-performing strains of widely cultured species.
Detailed Explanation:
The GIFT Tilapia (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was developed through a selective breeding program initiated by the WorldFish Center (formerly ICLARM) and its partners.
- The program began in 1988, using wild and farmed founder populations from Africa and Asia.
- Through successive generations of family selection, the program produced a strain with significantly faster growth rates, higher survival rates, and better feed conversion.
- GIFT Tilapia is now cultured globally and has served as a model for genetic improvement programs in other aquaculture species.
Evaluating the other options:
- Jayanthi rohu was developed by ICAR-CIFA in India.
- GI Scampi was developed by ICAR-CIFA in collaboration with other partners.
Step 2: Final Answer:
The fish variety developed through selective breeding by the Worldfish Center is GIFT Tilapia.