I. Abdulraheem, F.I. Adeosun, N.A. Bamidele, A.M. Idi- Ogede, H.U. Onimisi and F.R. Okoche |
ABSTRACT
This study examined the growth performance and survival of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus
fingerlings cultured
in different water volumes (20, 15, 10, and 5 litres). A total number of three
hundred sorted C. gariepinus fingerlings of 0.37±0.02g mean weight were stocked at twenty (25)
fingerlings per treatment in three replicates of plastic tanks (52cm x33cm x33cm). Growth response,
water quality parameters and length-weight relationship of experimental fish were monitored
throughout the study. Fish were fed twice daily for six weeks with commercial pellet
feeds (Coppens®) to satiation. Temperature and pH were at optimum levels for the fish. The results
showed no significant differences (p>0.05) among the means of their triplicate values. The mean
weight gained (MWG), percentage weight gained (PWG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were best in
fish reared in 20 litres of water. MWG (g) of fish reared in 20 litres was 1.64±0.10, and the least
was in 5 litres (1.30±0.25). PWG (%) of fish reared in 20 litres was 450.57±29.85, and the least
was in 5 litres (385.80±88.12). SGR was also in the order 20 ≥ 15 ≥ 10 ≥ 5 litres, the values being
1.17±0.15, 1.16±0.20, 0.65±0.42 and 0.59±0.45 respectively. Fish reared in 10litres and 5litres of
water had the best Feed conversion ratio. Percentage survival and length-weight relationships
showed no significant differences (p>0.05) among treatmnts. The “b” values ranged from 3.1513 to
3.8633. In conclusion, the study revealed that fish reared in twenty (20) litres of water gave good
growth and survival of C. gariepinus fingerlings.
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