The effects of various doses of ovaprim on reproductive performance of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) and Heterobranchus longifilis (Valenciennes)

Abstract

Artificial spawning of two African Catfish species viz: C. gariepinus and H. longifilis of 0.18 – 0.64kg and 0.53 – 1.63 kg respectively were carried out using various doses of Ovaprim with carp pituitary extract (C.P.E.) as the control. Oocyte maturation and ovulation were successfully effected with Ovaprim doses of 0.2, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40 and 0.50ml/kg for C. gariepinus and 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50ml/kg for H. longifilis. Latency period was between 8 – 11.5hrs at 26.3ºC – 28.0ºC but was indirectly influenced by temperature, species and type of hormone. Hatching was between 22 – 30 hrs at a temperature range of 25.45 – 26.1ºC and was independent of hormone dosage. Percentage deformed try was relatively low and ranged from 0.16 ± 0.28 – 1.08 ± 0.36 in C. gariepinus and 0.52 ± 0.59 . 1.50 ± 0.73 in H. longifilis. Fry survival rate was high and ranged from 89.44 ± 0.27 to 93.47 ± 2.18 in C. gariepinus and 78.57 ± 11.12 to 90.7 ± 3.90 in H. longifilis. Physico-chemical parameters were within the desired range for catfish larval rearing in all the treatments.


AJAZEB Vol. 7 2005: pp. 101-105