Kalimba is the only commercial farm using an indigenous species of Tilapia (Bream) called O.Andersonii. The use of this species is critical for its conservation as O.Andersonii is under threat from many exotic, imported and genetically improved species that are currently being used in aquaculture. These exotic species have also invaded Zambia’s rivers and Lakes damaging the local ecosystem.
The local species performs competitively with imported species as they are well adapted to aquaculture. Their natural habitat is calm water such as lagoons and slow flowing water, which are very similar to ponds. There is currently a government program that is encouraging the farming of the local species for its conservation, improving neighbouring ecosystems and to improve its performance.