Review on Status of African Catfish Aquaculture in Nigeria

Abstract

World aquaculture production continues to grow to meet increasing demand for fish, especially as the fish catch has stabilized and is boosting aquaculture production as the only hope of meeting demand for fish. The aquaculture industry involves the farming of many species of fish of fresh or brackish origin and important freshwater fish species include the North African catfish, also called the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Its production is increasing as total aquaculture production is also increasing and its culture is spreading globally, with Nigeria officially declared as producing the largest annual aquaculture quantity of African catfish (clarias garipenous) globally at 3% of the total world production rate per year. There is a significant culture of African catfish in Ghana, currently approaching several decades with 1% of total world production. Ghana has been one of the largest producers of tilapia, pike, and catfish. This review focused on African catfish aquaculture in Ghana and Nigeria, comparing production and industry prospects in the two countries. This review indicates that Nigeria had a higher production rate of African catfish from the 1980s to 2018 than Ghana at the ratio of 3:1. Nigeria's catfish aquaculture industry has shown more significant advancements and expansion over the past two decades, Ghana has also experienced steady growth. Nigeria has established itself as a major player in the African catfish market, both in terms of production volume and international trade. Ghana's industry, although smaller, focuses on meeting local demand and has the potential for further development and expansion.