Comparative Reproductive Performance of Strains of Clarias gariepinus from Two Different Hydrological Zones of Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted between June and August 2019, to compare reproductive and growth performance of wild strains of Clarias gariepinus from two different hydrological zones of Nigeria, (Lake Chad and Benue-Niger). Collection of broodstock for the study was made from Lake Geriyo, Adamawa state potion of upper River Benue and Nguru Lake of Yobe State. The fish were conditioned, fed and spawned in the Department of Fisheries Teaching and Research Farm, Modibbo Adama University of technology Adamawa State, Nigeria. Data obtained were analysed using Microsoft excel. The results revealed that, the female strains from Lake Nguru recorded higher fecundity. Excellent percentage fertilization were recorded, where all the crosses of GY♀×NG♂, NG♀×GY♂ and GY♀×GY♂ recorded 100% fertilization, except the hybrid of GY♀×NG♂ which was a bit lower with 95%. Pure breed of NG♀×NG♂ recorded the highest percentage hatchability with 75%, where 33% was the least, recorded from hybrid GY♀×NG♂. The hybrid NG♀×GY and pure breed GY♀×GY♂ had 46% and 57% respectively. Generally, the findings indicated that, the maternal strains of Clarias gariepinus from Lake Nguru, had influenced the performance. This implied that, we are likely to obtain fish seed of better reproductive potential in terms of fertilization and hatchability from Nguru Lake.