This manual is intended as an aid in the transfer of the selective breeding technology developed by the WorldFish Center and its partners. It was based upon experience and material accumulated during the ‘Genetic Improvement of Farmed Tilapia’ (GIFT) project (1988 to 1997). In its development particular attention was paid to the description of key husbandry operations in a sequential manner, using illustrations and photographs. There will be, however, instances in which some adjustment of the GIFT technology to local conditions is required.