The study evaluates the hybridizations between two African catfish, C. gariepinus and C. macromystax, using artificial reproduction. Fecundity and gonadosomatic index were assessed, and growth performance at different developmental stages was evaluated. The results indicated that both species possess a similar gonadosomatic index. The parent C. gariepinus possesses significantly (p < 0.05) higher male reproductive quality than C. macromystax. Fecundity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the female parent of C. macromystax and lower in C. gariepinus. The highest fertilization rates and hatching rates were achieved in the hybrid cross of ♀C. macromystax × ♂C. gariepinus (♀Cm × ♂Cg) which also recorded the lowest deformed larva rate. Survival rates at the larval stage were more than 80%, with the highest record of survival in the hybrid ♀Cm × ♂Cg. However, survival rates in the fry stage were lower than 70%. The hybrid cross (C. macromystax × C. gariepinus) outperformed the parental cross of C. macromystax but was not significantly similar to the parental cross of C. gariepinus. The study revealed the potential of the hybrid ♀C. macromystax × ♂C. gariepinus, and hybridizations of ♀C. macromystax × ♂C. gariepinus (♀Cm × ♂Cg) are indeed possible and proved to have a better growth and survival rate under semi-arid conditions, which would contribute significantly to the improvement of C. macromystax production in captivity.

Fishmeal is widely accepted as a protein source in fish feed formulation, making it a highly demanded ingredient, and this has probably contributed to its increased cost. Cheaper protein sources of plant and animal origin have been tested as potential replacements for fishmeal to reduce feed costs in fish production and guarantee a suitable nutrient supply for adequate growth. Therefore, this review assessed the effect of replacing fishmeal in the diet of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus based on empirical findings. Using a systematic literature review protocol, an extensive search of five databases resulted in the final inclusion of 32 articles for appraisal and meta-analysis. Fishmeal replacements were at levels ranging from 7–100%, while fish survival rate and feed conversion ratio recorded non-significant effects of fishmeal replacement (p > 0.05). However, final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio revealed a significant effect of fishmeal replacement (p < 0.05) in the diet of African catfish. Our overall analyses suggest that feed ingredients such as microalgae and insects/worms are potentially perfect replacements for fishmeal.