Critical analysis of the growth performance of three fish species; Mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Sharp toothed African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), cultured in earthen ponds in Kigezi region South-western Uganda

Abstract

Fish farming is important for increasing the national income and improving nutrition in the densely populated Kigezi region which has demonstrated a high level of malnutrition. This study was conducted in South Western Highlands of Uganda to evaluate the growth of three fish species in earthen ponds. Fingerlings and fries were stocked, 3 fish m -3 with an average body weight, 2.8 g of Nile tilapia, 1.7 g African catfish and 0.17 g Mirror carp under monoculture. Under poly-culture, stocking was at 1:3. Feeds were administered ad libitum daily. Fish performance and water quality data were determined monthly. Analysis of variance and paired samples t-tests were used to analyse data. Results indicated that Growth rates and average body weights of Nile tilapia and Mirror carp in Kabale and Kisoro was higher and significantly different (p<0.05) from Kanungu. Food conversion ratio for fish in Kanungu was higher compared to Kabale and Kisoro. Fish species under poly-culture systems generally had higher growth rates and body weights than those under monoculture systems. Water quality in the current study did not hamper fish growth. Our results can demonstrate that all the three fish species are suitable for culture in the zone.