Growth, feed utilization and survival of African catfish,

Abstract

African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (mean weight 3.76 ± 0.13 g) were reared at 9 salinity levels 0.042, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, and 25.0 mgl-1 over a period of 20 weeks. At the end of 20 weeks period the mean weight gain, 15.56 g, (428.7%) of fish reared in 0.042 mg-1 was significantly (P > 0.05) higher than those recorded in other salinities. The percentage survival of the fish was highest in 0.042 mgl-1, 84.0% and the 0.3 mgl-1, 72.1% while no fish survived in salinity level above 10.0 mgl-1. The low growth rate and poor feed utilization efficiency with increase salinity appeared to be due to increase maintenance energy requirements.

JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCES Volume 16, Number 2, October 2001, pp. 124-126




KEY WORDS:

Salinities, growth, Survival and Clarias gariepinus