Abstract
Climate change standard forecasts have heightened incidence of severe weather actions like floods and protracted famine. This in effect increases periodic volume of water level fluctuation in lentic water bodies thereby altering their natural composition. Too much water level variation is projected to have more serious effect on the morphology, role and biodiversity of marshy localities than effects due to increase in temperature due to change in climate pattern. This study was undertaken, to unravel specific areas and extent of water level effects on fishes. It is specifically targeted at assessing the effect of water levels on Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. The results will be useful for aquaculture as adaptation strategies are needed to contain the effect of water level fluctuation in the wild. A total of 180 Clarias gariepinus fingerlings were randomly distributed into 18-plastic tanks at 10-fish per tank for a 56-day growth trial. Growth performance, haematology and carcass composition were assessed at the end of the experiment. Results showed a significant difference (P > 0.05) in mean weight gain of fishes reared at varying water levels. The packed cell volume, red blood cell; mean corpuscular haemoglobin and corpuscular volume also showed significant differences (P > 0.05). Results indicate that water level variation has significant effect on haematology, growth and survival of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. These results highlight the vulnerability of fish, especially Clarias gariepinus in the face of climate change.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.