Studies on the hatchability, growth performance and survival of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in different aquaculture production systems

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three different aquaculture production systems on hatchability, growth performance and survival of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The production systems tested in this study are stagnant system (SS), Flow-through System (FTS) and Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS). The experiment was divided into two phases; artificial induced breeding using synthetic hormone (Ovaprim) and rearing the hatchlings for 21 days; and rearing the 21 days old fry for 42 days. Hatchability was estimated 48 hours after incubation, while in the second phase, growth performance and feed utilization of hatchlings were investigated. Percentage hatchability in all production systems were relatively above average with the highest mean value of 82.8% in FTS and RAS. Survival of Hatchlings after 3weeks was high (1768) in RAS. Mean weight gain (35.61g) and Specific growth rate (3.61) were observed to be high in FTS. Food conversion ratio was High (23.91) in SS and low (14.04) in FTS. Shooters were observed to be more in FTS (38). Survival rate of fry was high in RAS (82.8%), and lowest in FTS (58.3). Mean water quality parameters tested were within the range of acceptable limits for C. gariepinus culture. This study has demonstrated the benefits of different aquaculture production systems for fish production under controlled environmental conditions.