This study contributes data on haematological and biochemical parameters of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. It employed a 3 ? 2 factorial design with three ponds of different water depth (0.5, 1 and 1.5 m) and two types of feed (floating and sinking). Twelve earthen ponds (1 m x 2 m) were stocked with 16 fingerlings catfish each (mean weight ~100g) and their blood parameters were monitored over 12 weeks. Differences in hematological parameters related to water depth were mostly significant, and better results were recorded in fish reared in shallower water ponds. Feed type showed improved hematological parameters with using of sinking diet. Most biochemical parameters showed significant differences in pond waters depth and feed type with better results coincided with rearing fish in shallower water depth and with sinking feed. Conclusively, culturing Catfish in shallow ponds (0.5 m) and use of sinking feed improve physiological response and health condition.

This study evaluated how water temperature (26, 28, and 30°C), number of meals per day (one or two meals), and protein percent in diet (20, 25 and 30%) impact growth performance, biometric indices, and feeding behavior of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were randomly allocated into 18 equal replicate groups. Higher final body weight was observed in fish reared at 30°C and fed one meal per day containing 30% crude protein. Better weight gain, weight gain %, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, and condition factor were recorded in fish reared at 26°C and fed one meal per day containing 30% protein. The best length weight relationship was obtained in fish reared at 26°C and fed one meal per day containing 30% crude protein. Shorter feeding duration and duration of appetite inhibition latency were recorded in fish reared at 30°C, fed one meal per day, and given a diet containing 30% protein. The highest proactivity was recorded in fish reared at 30°C, received one meal per day, and with 25% crude protein in their diet. Conclusively, rearing Nile tilapia at 26–30°C with a lower feeding frequency (one meal/day) and a 30% crude protein diet achieved better performance and feeding behavior.

The suitability of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) to aquaculture throughout its distributional range started to be recognized in the middle of the 1980s. Over 30 years later, this species is now farmed either commercially or for subsistence in almost every country in sub-Saharan Africa as well as in North Africa and many other countries around the world (Dauda, Natrah, Karim, Kamarudin, & Bichi, 2018). Given its biology, it is easy to understand the appeal of C. gariepinus for aquaculture. Its ability to air breathe enables it to thrive in both temperate and tropical climates which helps explain why it is so widely distributed. In addition to its air breathing ability, which makes it hardy and versatile, it is able to feed on a diverse array of natural prey and it is highly fecund which makes it easy to spawn in aquaculture conditions. Of particular appeal is the ability of C. gariepinus to tolerate fairly poor water quality and to be cultured at higher stocking densities without additional pond aeration or high rates of water exchange (Hengsawat, Ward, & Jaruratjamorn, 1997).