Reproductive Indices and Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822), Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1809) and their Hybrids in an Indoor Tanks

Abstract

Hybridization is significant in producing higher breeds, it produces new breeds and strain and reduce inbreed. The study examined the percentage fertilization, hatchability, heterosis and survival of the hatchlings in a complete randomized design. The cross established high fertilization rate across the hybrids. Clarias gariepinus male (Cl♂) x Heterobranchus bidorsalis female (Hb♀) recorded the highest fertilization (100%), Hb♂ x Cl♀ and Hb♂ x Hb♀ had (90 %), and the least was in Cl♂ x Cl♀ (60%), respectively. Pure strain Hb♂ x Hb♀ performed significantly higher (p<0.05) in final weight (234.7±0.0577g) and length (119.7±0.374mm) in all the trials from the onset of exogenous feeding with Blue Crown feed for 56 days. The best and least specific growth rate (SGR) 3.64 and 3.55 were recorded in Hb♂ x Cl♀ and Hb♂ x Hb♀ respectively. Hb♂ x Cl♀ and Hb♂ x Hb♀ survived 90% followed by Cl♂ x Hb♀ with 80% but the least survival was in Cl♂ x Cl♀ (30%). The growth of the hybrids revealed a hope for aquaculture improvement in Nigeria, and a means of promoting the availability of fish all year round if employed in the farm.