Effect of broodstock size on egg and larval size and survival of larvae of the African catfish, <i>Clarias gariepinus </i>under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Effect of broodstock size on egg and larval size and survival of larvae of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus was investigated under laboratory conditions for a period of 21 days. Larger broodstock size (600 – 1099 g) produced larger eggs and bigger larvae while smaller broodstock size (300 – 599 g) produced relatively smaller eggs and smaller larvae. The mean size of eggs produced and the size of broodstock was however not significantly different (P > 0.05). In addition, larger eggs resulted in larger fry. The fry size produced by small broodstock size range and the large broodstock size was significantly different (P < 0.05). The survival rate of fry after starvation increased with increase in parent broodstock size. For larger eggs and fry production, broodstock of C. gariepinus, of average size of 500 – 1099 g should be selected for use in fish hatchery operation in Nigeria.


Key Words: Broodstock, Egg, Larvae, Clarias gariepinus


Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.19(1) 2004: 1-4