Abstract
A trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and survival of common catfish, Ameiurus melas. A total of 54,420 catfish juveniles (5.1 ± 1.2 g; 6 ± 1 cm) were reared in two groups: PN group, represented by 3-1,000 m2 ponds; RC group composed by 3-2 m3 indoor tanks working in closed recirculated system. In these two groups, catfish were reared at two different densities (PN=15 fish m3; RC=1,570 fish m3) for 181 days. The main water physico-chemical parameters were monitored and the main blood metabolites and growth performances were evaluated. Catfish exhibited a final mean body weight similar in the two groups (PN=142.7 ± 30 g; RC=151.5 ± 34 g). The survival rate was high for both PN (86.6%) and RC (99%). A very high stocking density was reached in the RC system (235.5 kgm3). The presence of multi-trays in the RC tanks may be helped the specimens to reduce aggressiviness and territorial competition as demonstrated by blood metabolites which did not affect by rearing conditions. This trial showed that common catfish can be successfully cultured in indoor systems without negatively affecting productive performances (growth and survival) and the natural resources.
Highlights
In Italy, the rearing of the ‘black bullhead or common catfish Ameiurus melas, Rafinesque 1820’, an allochthonous fish species introduced in Italy at the beginning of 20th century, represents one of the most traditional systems of farming in the northern freshwater territories
The practice has become widespread in the regions of Emilia Romagna, Veneto and Lombardia going to occupy marginal areas of many farms involved in agriculture, in perfect balance with the other livestock products and vegetables
Water temperature showed the highest fluctuations in PN groups (24.11 ± 4.19°C) during the initial period of the trial (April) and in the summer whereas in RC tanks the average temperature was 20.48 ± 0.9°C (Figure 1)
Summary
In Italy, the rearing of the ‘black bullhead or common catfish Ameiurus melas, Rafinesque 1820’, an allochthonous fish species introduced in Italy at the beginning of 20th century, represents one of the most traditional systems of farming in the northern freshwater territories. This activity began in the lower Modena Province in the ‘70s from juveniles collected in nature. Until the first ‘90s, the common catfish production was well consolidated with over 3,000 t/year, especially in Emilia Romagna, Lombardia and Veneto where this fish species had a tradition as food supply and sport fishing. The surface area of catfish farms ranges between 5 and 7 ha with a total annual production of 22 - 50 t [6]
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