A Review Of Reproduction And Gamete Management In The African Catfish <i>Clarias Gariepinus</i> (Burchell)

Abstract

Information on the current status of reproduction and gamete management of the African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) a highly appreciated culturable fish species in Nigeria were reviewed. Natural and artificial reproductive behaviour as well as gonadal maturation rhythm in the highly fecund fish were documented. Various artificial reproductive techniques utilized for induced breeding in captivity and the attendant limitation were highlighted to facilitate understanding of the fish reproductive behaviour. In nature. C. gariepinus has a discontinuous reproductive cycle regulated by cyclically active gonad tropes. A gonadotropin surge trigger off by environmental cues usually facilitates spontaneous oocyte maturation, ovulation or spermiation. Under captive condition, the fish spawn easily with hormonal induction using either homoplastic pituitary gland suspension or synthetic hormonal preparations. The Nigerian clariid farming communities however prefer the use of homoplastic pituitary gland suspensions instead of synthetic hormonal preparations to induce spawning in fish farms because of the very expensive nature of the imported synthetic hormonal preparations.

Gonad Development in the Female Nigerian Clarias Gariepinus Burchell 1822

“…As in other teleosts, oogonia of C. gariepinus proliferated and turned into primary oocytes, which subsequently grew within follicles, formed cortical alveoli, entered vitellogenesis, underwent maturation, and finally ovulated. The changes that occurred during these phases were similar to those reported for catfish and some other teleosts [21][22][23][24]. Examined ovaries showed oocytes in various stages and different sizes.…”

Comparative Evaluation of Productivity and Cost Effectiveness of Catfish Fingerling Production in Earthen Pond and Recirculation System in Ibadan, Nigeria

“…In Europe, about 75% of Clarias fingerling demands are supplied by few producers. In Nigeria however, the fingerlings supplied from both the government and privately owned hatcheries are not enough to meet the catfish farmers' fingerling demands (Olaleye, 2005). A comparative evaluation of productivity and cost effectiveness of catfish fingerling production in an earthen pond and a recirculation system was therefore carried out in Ibadan, Nigeria.…”

Effect of Different Doses of Ovulin Hormone Suspended in Saline on the Induced Breeding Performance of African Catfishes Clarias anguillaris and Clarias gariepinus in Sokoto, Nigeria

“…The African catfish is widely considered as the leading cultured fish in Nigeria. Some of the credentials of African catfish are: high growth rate reaching market size of 1 kg in 5-6 months under intensive management conditions: highly adaptable and resistant to handling and stress; can be artificially propagated by induced spawning techniques for reliable mass supply of fingerlings; commands a very high commercial value where it is highly cherished as food in Nigerian homes and hotels [1,2].…”