Perception and sensoric quality difference of tilapia fish species in Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating consumer perception and quality preference of tilapia fish in the Morogoro region, Tanzania. For consumer preferences, a total of 85 respondents were interviewed from six wards of the Morogoro Municipality. The result show that tilapia ranks third (22.4%) in preference after mackerel (41.2%) and Nile perch (24.7%). This observation may be due to limited availability, and the price level of tilapia found around the Morogoro markets, hence suggests that the expansion of aquaculture in this area is important in order to meet consumers’ preference for fish. To investigate quality, sensory evaluation techniques were used to grade and score attributes of Nile tilapia fed on three different diets (Common feed, Norwegian feed and Tanzanian feed) and two tilapia species; Wami and Nile tilapia fed identical feed. No significant differences could be detected between Nile tilapia fed different feeds, with the implication that fish farmers may feed the most cost efficient feed, without jeopardizing sensory characteristics of young fish. Similarly, testing Nile tilapia against Wami tilapia did not result in any significant differences in quality traits, however, the numerical values were generally higher and in favor for the Nile tilapia. In conclusion, the Nile tilapia has a great market potential in Morogoro given that the fish is fresh and weigh at least 250g, the proposed weight based on observation during this study. In reference to sensory characteristics, the farmers should chose the most cost efficient feed and species when farming tilapia.