Kira Semua: Tilapia ROI Calculator
Compare the profitability of Red vs. Black Tilapia per cage.
The “Kira Semua” Breakdown: Red vs. Black Tilapia (Per Cage)
This table assumes a standard floating cage of 3m x 3m x 3m (27 meter square) with a stocking density of approximately 800–1,000 fish per cage.
| Expense/Revenue Item | Local Red Tilapia (Hybrid) | GenoMar Black (Norwegian Tech) | Financial Impact |
| Fingerling Cost (Initial) | RM0.30 – RM0.50 /pc | RM0.50 – RM0.80 /pc | Black is ~60% more expensive to buy. |
| Growth Cycle | 7 – 8 Months | 5 – 6 Months | Black allows for 2.0 harvests/year vs. 1.5 for Red. |
| Feed Conversion (FCR) | 1.8 (High) | 1.3 (Low/Efficient) | Black saves ~RM450 per cage in feed costs. |
| Survival (Heatwave 35°C+) | 65% – 75% | 88% – 95% | Crucial: Black survived 32% better in MY trials. |
| Avg. Harvest Weight | 600g – 700g | 800g – 1,000g | Black yields ~200kg more meat per cage. |
| Market Price (Wholesale) | RM11.50 /kg | RM9.50 /kg | Red sells for RM2.00 more due to color. |
| EST. GROSS PROFIT | RM1,800 – RM2,400 | RM3,200 – RM4,000 | Black wins on volume and speed. |
1. The “Color Tax” vs. Efficiency
While Red Tilapia sells for a higher price at the market (often RM2.00+ more per kg than Black), the Black Tilapia is technically more profitable for the farmer.
- The Logic: Because Black Tilapia grows faster and eats significantly less feed (lower FCR), the “Cost of Production” is much lower.
- Calculation for this Blog: A farmer growing Black Tilapia can potentially save RM1.50 in feed costs for every fish produced. This often offsets the lower selling price.
2. The “Heatwave” Insurance
This ties directly into your earlier point about Lubok Antu.
- Local Red Tilapia hybrids are often “inbred” and more sensitive to temperature spikes.
- The Norwegian-engineered Black strains (like GenoMar 1000) are specifically selected for resilience. In a Level 1 heat alert, a 10% difference in survival rate is the difference between a profit and a total loss for a smallholder with 10 cages.
3. Scaling for Export
The reason for the 14,000+ cages is that the Sarawak government wants to move from “Wet Market” sales to Fillet Exports.
- Fillet Yield: Norwegian-improved strains have a 35-40% fillet yield, compared to about 30% for local strains. For a factory, that extra 5-10% of meat per fish is worth millions when dealing with the thousands of tonnes produced at Batang Ai.
Disclaimer
General Information Only: The calculations and data provided on this page are for informational and educational purposes only. While the “Kira Semua” calculator uses industry-standard benchmarks and current 2026 market estimates, it does not constitute professional financial, agricultural, or investment advice.
Accuracy & Risk: Aquaculture is subject to numerous variables including water quality, disease, feed management, and extreme weather events. Actual results and ROI may vary significantly based on local conditions at the Batang Ai Dam or other locations.
- No Guarantee: kirasemua.com makes no guarantees regarding the survival rates or profit margins of any specific fish strain.
- Limitation of Liability: The author and this website shall not be held liable for any financial losses, data inaccuracies, or damages resulting from the use of this calculator or reliance on the information provided in this post.
- Professional Consultation: Readers are strongly advised to consult with the Sarawak Department of Agriculture (DOA) or qualified aquaculture experts before making significant capital investments in cage culture.