Intraspecific hybridization and reciprocal cross between cultured and wild <i>Clarias gariepinus</i>; and evaluation of their progenies

Abstract

Studies of intraspecific hybridization and reciprocal cross between cultured and wild Clarias gariepinus and evaluation of their progenies was carried out, with aim of evaluating the progenies of the crosses hatchability, survival, growth etc. Pure strains of cultured and wild Clarias gariepinus broodstock were used. Incubation, hatching, and post hatching activities were monitored in 50 litres plastic bowls. Cultured Male Clarias gariepinus (CCG♂) x Wild Female Clarias gariepinus (WCG♀) were used as Treatment 1 with Replicate and Wild Male Clarias gariepinus (WCG♂) x Cultured Female Clarias gariepinus (CCG♀) as Treatment 2 with Replicates. The result showed that in all the two genetic crosses, (CCG♂) x Wild Female Clarias gariepinus (WCG♀) had the highest fertilization rate (84.93%). Statistically, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in % survival at first feeding, between CCG♂ x WCG♀ (95.05%) and WCG♂ x CCG♀ (90.65%). No significant difference in Growth Rate, Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER). % survival at the end of the experiment was highest with CCG♂ x WCG♀ (84.93%) compared with WCG♂ x CCG♀ (60.33%).It was concluded that fish seed from (CCG♂ x WCG♀) had better reproductive potential in terms of fertilization, hatchability, testes volume and better growth performance.