African Catfish Clarias Gariepinus Research Articles

Effects of Tank Background Colour on Growth Performance and Feed Utilization of African Catfish Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings

Abstract The performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings reared in white, green, blue, black and red coloured tanks was investigated. Each colour was tested in triplicate 1 m3 tanks with an initial stocking density of 100 fingerlings per tank (1.07 g). Fish were fed a commercial diet at 5% body weight per day for eight weeks. Fish weights were sampled every 2 weeks to adjust feeding rates. Tank colour had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the overall performance of the fingerlings. Rearing in black tanks resulted in a higher daily feed intake (0.44 g) and better growth performance when compared to other tank colours, while the poorest performance was observed in blue and green tanks. Carcass protein and fat content at 8 weeks revealed a trend similar to that observed for growth. Also, serum glucose tests showed higher levels in light background tanks and were thought to be an indication of stress. Survival was not affected by tank colour. It was concluded that dark-coloured tanks such as black or red were better in comparison to light-coloured tanks for the rearing of African catfish fingerlings

Barbels of the Larval and Adult African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Light, Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy Investigation

Barbels of the Larval and Adult African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Light, Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy Investigation

Nutritional profile of soakedCajanus cajan(L.) Millsp. and its utilization as partial replacement for soybean meal in the diet ofClarias gariepinus(Burchell, 1822) fingerlings

Summary This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of soaking as a cheap processing method in improving the nutritional utilization of Cajanus cajan for partial replacement of soybean meal in formulated diets of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). The nutrient profile of soaked C. cajan revealed a significant reduction (≤50%) in all anti-nutritional factors. Proximate and amino acids were also affected by this processing method. Six practical diets (35 g/kg crude protein, 19.1 KJ/g diet) containing substitution levels of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% C. cajan for soybean protein (included at 578 g/kg) were then formulated and fed to triplicate groups (n = 50 in each group) of C. gariepinus fingerlings (1.41 ± 0.06 g) in a hapa pond system (1 × 1 × 1 m3) for 56 days (mean temperature 25.3 ± 0.6). The results revealed that fish survival was not significantly affected until a 40% substitution of soybean was reached. However, beyond 20% soybean substitution, growth was significantly reduced (≥7%; p ≤ .05). Fish fed the highest substitution of soaked C. cajan meal (50% soybean replacement) had the poorest performance. The cost of the compound diets was substantially reduced with the inclusion of soaked C. cajan. Production costs of 1 kg fish using the diet with an inclusion of up to 20% soaked C. cajan meal replacement were comparable to using the control diet. It was concluded that soaking C. cajan seed for 24 hr improved the nutritional profile of the ingredients to replace 20% of the soybean (included at 57.8%) protein in the diet of C. gariepinus with no negative effect on growth and nutrient utilization.

Gonadosomatic index and some hematological parameters in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) as affected by feed type and temperature level

ABSTRACT The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of different feeds/nutrients and temperature on the gonadal development of Clarias gariepinus. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and blood parameters including red blood cell count (RBCs), white blood cell count (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hgb) level, hematocrit (HCT), platelets (PLT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were investigated. Four types of fish feed of 36% protein content [D1(fish meal), D2 (soybean meal), D3 (peameal) and D4 (commercial tilapia feed)] and 3 different levels of temperature (T1(24℃), T2(28℃) and T3(32℃) were tried in this study for a duration of 4 months. The mean values were as follows: female GSI (14.68 ± 4.86), male GSI (0.70 ± 0.32), RBCs x 106(2.45± 0.64), WBCs x 103(9.28 ± 2.34), Hgb (12.42± 2.21g/dl), HCT (29.06 ± 3.54%), PLT (90.75 ± 9.18/mm3), and MCV (118.08 ± 10.3 g/l). Fish meal diet revealed the most significant (p<0.05) increase in weight gain, female GSI, and also exerted significant increases on most of the blood parameters. This study revealed that animal-based protein diet and temperature around 28℃ were the critical requirements for the physiological performance and relative gonadal weight of C. gariepinus. GSI and blood parameters were useful indicators of stress exerted by nutrition and temperature on fish, and their study is critical for fish health and mass production of viable seeds for aquaculture enterprise.

Temperature Preference and Sex Differentiation in African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus.

The African catfish Clarias gariepinus has a genetic sex determination system in which high temperature induces masculinization. The thermosensitive period for sex differentiation is short and occurs very early (from 6 to 8 days posthatching [dph]). As young juveniles can encounter high masculinizing temperature (36.5°C) in African water points, we aimed to determine the thermal preference of sexually undifferentiated juveniles and investigate if they spontaneously move toward high masculinizing temperature. Experiments were carried out in an environmental continuum (28-28-28°C and 28-32-36.5°C) made up of three 50-L aquariums connected together. Four hundred larvae from 10 different full-sib progenies were reared successively from 2 to 14 dph in these facilities. Before and after thermal treatments, fish were reared at 28°C until sex ratio determination at 70 dph. In the control continuum, fish were nearly equally distributed in the three compartments. Conversely, in the thermal continuum, compartment occupation significantly differed with progeny and period. During the highly thermosensitive period, two of five progenies significantly preferred (54.7% and 39.8% occupation) the 36.5°C compartment. All tested progenies reared in thermal continuum and separated 36.5°C aquarium showed a skewed sex ratio toward the male phenotype (78-100%). Nevertheless, no correlation was found between 36.5°C compartment occupation and sex ratio in thermal continuum groups. As masculinization temperature could be encountered in African water points during the spawning season, we discussed the adaptive advantage for the African catfish to display a sex differentiation process controlled by a temperature effect.

Effect of Zooplankton and Environmental Parameters on African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) in Egypt

The relationships between physico-chemical parameters, planktonic groups, of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) at Al-Mahmoudia canal and Nubaria canal. The water Seasonal determination of some environmental factors: water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, water transparency, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, silica, biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand. Were carryout in an attempt to explain that this parameter are the most factors affecting on the density and distribution of the plankton in the investigated African catfish. Plan is developing to take advantage of study the environmental parameters (Physico-chemical characters), abundance and diversity of plankton of the investigated regions water due to their great impact on African catfish.

Histopathological Changes in Diseased Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Treated by Ciprofloxacin and Clove Extract

Bacteria pathogens may cause a serious loss in aquaculture and also health hazards to humans. On the basis of biochemical characteristics and API-20E system, the highest prevailing isolate was identified as Aeromonas sobria. Infection with Aeromonas sobria in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) induced focal hemorrhage at the end of gill operculum, generalized edema and ulcers on skin surface. Internal signs of infection includes hyperemia of the hepatic artey, coagulative necrosis in the liver and hydropic degeneration of renal tubules according to the histopathological examination. In-vivo the combination of ciprofloxacin and clove extract was the choice as an alternative bacterial therapeutic agents in infected Clarias gariepinus with Aeromonas sobria. Moreover histopathological changes have is the base for the evaluation of fish health.

Effects of Aluminium Phosphide on the Behaviour, Haematology, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Biochemistry of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Juvenile

Effects of Aluminium Phosphide on the Behaviour, Haematology, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Biochemistry of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Juvenile

Resistance Test on Aeromonas hydrophila Isolated from African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Against Some Antibiotics Groups

Aeromonas hydrophila is a type of bacteria causing Motile Aeromonads Septicemia (MAS) disease, which infects freshwater fish, including African catfish, and leads to death as well as huge losses to farmers. This research aims to determine the resistance status of various antibiotic classes in A. hydrophila bacteria isolated from African catfish. Bacterial isolates of A. hydrophila were taken from the liver and kidneys of infected African catfishes obtained from Parung, Bogor. Characterization of the bacteria was carried out based on colony morphology and biochemical properties. Meanwhile, bacterial resistance test was conducted using antibiotic disks with Kirby-Bauer method. Based on colony morphology and biochemical properties, the characterization results indicated that the bacterial isolates tested were A. hydrophila . Further examination of the antibiotic resistance test showed that the bacteria were resistant to penicillin antibiotics and macrolides. Future researches are expected to use molecular identification for A.hydrophila bacteria mutant to known the DNA base.

Performance of Clarias gariepinus Fed Dried Brewer's Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Slurry in Replacement for Soybean Meal.

Following disparity of earlier results, this study tested the performance of African catfish Clarias gariepinus fed dried brewer's yeast slurry meal (DBYM) based diets. Fingerlings of C. gariepinus with pooled mean initial weight of 1.58 ± 0.01 g were stocked in hapas (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) immersed in an earthen pond at a density of 15 fish per cage. Five diets with increasing substitution of soybean meal with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of dried brewer's yeast and a control without dried brewer's yeast (0% substitution) were evaluated for 8 weeks. Palatability of diets reduced with increasing levels of DBYM. Growth and utilization parameters such as weight gain, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and specific growth rate differed significantly (p < 0.05) among treated groups. Specific growth rate decreased with increasing substitution while the best feed conversion ratio was obtained in the diet devoid of DBYM. Protein efficiency and utilization decreased with increasing levels of DBYM. Body composition was also affected by inclusion of DBYM with significant differences (p < 0.05) being observed across the diets. The trend in body composition follows the utilization of the diets. We conclude that the optimal range of inclusion and substitution of soybean meal with DBYM in C. gariepinus feed is between 1% and 14% of dry matter.

Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Pahs) in Hardwood, Palmwood and Softwood - Smoked Fish

Three types of woods were investigated; hard wood HWS Mahogany (Mellicae), soft wood SWS Bamboo (Mycapella) and oil palm wood PWS Elaeis guineensis to smoke African catfish Clarias gariepinus. The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the experimental fish were extracted using solvents and Ultrasonication and were analyzed for 15 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet diode detector. There was no significant difference between the three woods investigated (P > 0.05) in benzo_b fluoranthene and benzo_a pyrene but significant differences (P < 0.05) in PAH occurred between the 3 wood-smoked fish in acenaphthene, fluorine, phenathrene, anthracene, pyrene, dibenzo_ah anthracene, benzo_ghi pyrene, indeno 123c pyrene, fluoranthene with lowest value in PWS. Naphthalene and acenaphthylene had same value in HWS and SWS but were significantly lower in PWS. Conversely, benz_a athracene showed higher value in HWS compared to SWS and PWS but chrysene displayed higher value in SWS compared to PWS and HWS. It can be concluded that the use of Elaeis guineensis is preferred in smoking of C. gariepinus compared to Bamboo and Mahogany. Since the three woods did not differ in benzo a pyrene, high value of benz_a anthracene recorded in HWS fell below carcinogenic ranges, hence usage may not impact on human health.

Effects of stocking density on growth, production and farming protability of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fed chicken viscera-diet in earthen ponds

Effects of stocking density on growth, production and farming protability of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fed chicken viscera-diet in earthen ponds

Natural and Non-natural distribution of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) in Turkey

African catfish , Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) is a widespread freshwater species found in the Middle East, and throughout Central and South Africa. C. gariepinus , inhabits natural lakes, fishponds, streams, and natural ponds in both deep and shallow waters. C. gariepinus is naturally found in the Asi, Seyhan, Ceyhan, Goksu Rivers. It was reported that C. gariepinus was translocated to the Aksu River by General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works. African catfish has increasing commercial importance in fisheries and aquaculture in Turkey. A recently introduced population of C. gariepinus has established in the Sakarya River (Eskişehir) due to aquaculture purposes in the north part of the Turkey. C. gariepinus introduction has negative effects on macro invertebrate community that was reflected by decrease in diversity, richness and biomass. There is also community-level impact of introduction that results variation in macro invertebrate composition in the rivers. Stomach contents of C. gariepinus basically rely on Pisces, Arthropod, Mollusca and plant materials to a considerable extent. Therefore, introduction of C. gariepinus in dams, rivers and lakes can cause food competitions with native fish and make irreversible changes in the fish community and cause loses of native fish. The present paper reviews published literature, reports and working papers about distribution and management of C. gariepinus in Turkey’s reservoirs.

Chicken Viscera Meal as a Main Component in Diet for African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) Reared in Earthen Ponds

The effects of replacement of fishmeal (FM) with chicken viscera meal (CVM) on growth, body composition and production of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (initial body weight 11.3 ± 0.1 g) was studied for 90 days. Three isonitrogenous (43 % crude protein) and isoenergetic (20 KJ/g) diets were formulated to containing 0% (diet CMV0), 30% (diet CVM30) and 50% (diet CVM50) of chicken viscera meal (CVM), as FM replace. Diet CVM0, without CVM, acted as a control whereas the commercial diet coppens developed for C. gariepinus was used to validate the experimental design. Feed intake value (247.17-262.0 g) was similar in fish fed Coppens, CMV0 and CMV50, and significantly higher in fish fed CMV30 (p 0.05). Food conversion ratio (1.11-1.19) was significantly higher in fish fed CMV50 diets (p 0.05). Lipid content in fish fed with CVM-based-diets was significantly higher, whereas ash significantly decreased (p<0.05). The study demonstrated that up to 30 % of CVM could be incorporated in the diets of C. gariepinus without negative effects on growth and whole body composition. Therefore, we recommended that CVM could be used to partially replace the expensive and imported FM.

Reference Intervals for the Serum Biochemistry and Lipid Profile of Male Broodstock African Catfish (&lt;i&gt;Clarias gariepinus&lt;/i&gt;: Burchell, 1822) at Varied Ages

The study established reference intervals and age variations in the serum biochemistry and lipid profile of cultured male broodstock African catfish. The evaluations were carried out on twenty-five (25) cultured male broodstock African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) of 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12 months of age. Standard biochemical procedures were carried out in all the serum biochemistry and lipid profile determinations. The overall mean ± SD values for the serum biochemistry parameters and lipid profile were as follows: alanine aminotransferase 17.49 ± 8.30 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase 125.76 ± 28.59 U/L; alkaline phosphatase 12.42 ± 2.56 U/L; total proteins 3.70 ± 1.49 g/dl; albumin 1.60 ± 0.30 g/dl; globulin 2.10 ± 1.38 g/dl; albumin/globulin 1.53 ± 1.71; total bilirubin 1.71 ± 0.51 mg/dl; direct bilirubin 0.36 ± 0.43 mg/dl; indirect bilirubin 1.35 ± 0.52 mg/dl; creatinine 1.13 ± 0.64 mg/dl; blood urea nitrogen 2.18 ± 2.47 mg/dl; total cholesterol 128.18 ± 40.22 mg/dl; HDL-C 26.36 ± 3.73 mg/dl; LDL-C 75.44 ± 9.30 mg/dl; VLDL-C 32.00 ± 2.03 mg/dl and triglyceride 160.00 ± 10.15 mg/dl. The results showed significant (P &lt; 0.05) variations in all the serum biochemistry parameters and lipid profile of the studied fishes, across the different age groups except in the serum alkaline phosphatase activity. Therefore, the current report offers information that shall be useful to all carrying out experimental studies involving assay of these parameters in male broodstock African catfish.

Atrazine-induced Changes in some Biochemical Parameters of the Early Developmental Stages of the African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Atrazine-induced Changes in some Biochemical Parameters of the Early Developmental Stages of the African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Colour discrimination in dim light by the larvae of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus

Many demersal fish species undergo vertical shifts in habitats during ontogeny especially after larval metamorphosis. The visual spectral sensitivity shifts with the habitat, indicating a change in colour vision. Colour vision depends on sufficient ambient light and becomes ineffective at a particular low light intensity. It is not known how fishes see colour in dim light. By means of a behavioural experiment on larval African catfish Clarias gariepinus in the laboratory, we determined colour vision and colour discrimination in dim light. Light-adapted larvae were subjected to classical conditioning to associate a reward feed with a green or a red stimulus placed among 7 shades of grey. The larvae learned this visual task after 70 and 90 trials. A different batch of larvae were trained to discriminate between green and red and then tested for the ability to discriminate between these colours, as the light intensity was reduced. The larvae learned this visual task after 110 trials in bright light and were able to discriminate colours, as light was dimmed until 0.01 lx, the minimal illuminance measurable in this study, and similar to starlight. The retinae of the larvae were found to be light adapted at 0.01 lx; thus indicating cone-based colour vision at this illuminance. For comparison, three human subjects were tested under similar conditions and showed a colour vision threshold at between 1.5 and 0.1 lx. For the larvae of C. gariepinus, the ability of colour discrimination in dim light is probably due to its retinal tapetum, which could increase the sensitivity of cones.

Subchronic Exposure to Fenthion Induces Hematological Changes in Liver Tissue of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus.

In this study, African Catfish (also known as Sharptooth Catfish) Clarias gariepinus were exposed to sublethal concentrations of fenthion of 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg/L for 21 d and allowed to recover for 7 d to investigate the potential for hematological changes. Whole blood was sampled on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 postexposure and after a 7-d recovery period. During exposure, fenthion caused a reduction in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume. There was an increase in white blood cell counts but no significant difference in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Both increases and decreases were observed in white blood cell differentials. After the 7-d recovery period, both increases and decreases were observed in the hematological parameters. These results reveal that sublethal concentrations of fenthion can cause hematological alterations in African Catfish and that the substance should be used with caution. Received October 20, 2015; accepted May 4, 2016.

Short-Term Effects of Albendazole on the Oxidative Stress Markers and Hematological Parameters in Tissues of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus.

Albendazole (ABZ) is a typical broad-spectrum benzimidazole drug used for the treatment of parasitic worm infestations in humans and animals. The present study investigated the oxidative stress biomarkers and hematological parameters in juvenile African Catfish (also known as Sharptooth Catfish) Clarias gariepinus exposed to ABZ for 96 h. Fish were exposed to 0 (control) 20, 40, and 60 mg/L ABZ. The liver and gill tissues were sampled at regular intervals of 24 h, and the results showed significant concentration- and time-dependent increases in the values of lipid peroxidation but reductions in glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase in both tissues. Erythrocytes were sampled to evaluate hematological parameters. The results showed significant concentration- and time-dependent increases in white blood cells but no significant differences in mean cellular hemoglobin. Hemoglobin values, red blood cell counts, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, and mean cellular hemoglobin concentration decreased significantly over the experimental period. The activities of lymphocytes and neutrophils increased significantly, whereas there were no significant differences in basophils, eosinophils, and monocytes among the treatment groups. Albendazole should be used with caution, as sublethal concentrations induced oxidative stress in the liver and gill tissues along with hematological changes that were more evident in liver cells. Received November 20, 2015; accepted May 4, 2015.

The role of the autonomic nervous system in control of cardiac and air-breathing responses to sustained aerobic exercise in the African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus

Clarias gariepinus is a facultative air-breathing catfish that exhibits changes in heart rate (ƒH) associated with air-breaths (AB). A transient bradycardia prior to the AB is followed by sustained tachycardia during breath-hold. This study evaluated air-breathing and cardiac responses to sustained aerobic exercise in juveniles (total length~20cm), and how exercise influenced variations in fH associated with AB. In particular, it investigated the role of adrenergic and cholinergic control in cardiac responses, and effects of pharmacological abolition of this control on air-breathing responses. Sustained exercise at 15, 30 and 45cms−1 in a swim tunnel caused significant increases in fAB and fH, from approximately 5breathsh−1 and 60heartbeatsmin−1 at the lowest speed, to over 60breathsh−1 and 100beatsmin−1 at the highest, respectively. There was a progressive decline in the degree of variation in fH, around each AB, as fAB increased with exercise intensity. Total autonomic blockade abolished all variation in fH during exercise, and around each AB, but fAB responses were the same as in untreated animals. Cardiac responses were exclusively due to modulation of inhibitory cholinergic tone, which varied from >100% at the lowest speed to <10% at the highest. Cholinergic blockade had no effect on fAB compared to untreated fish. Excitatory β-adrenergic tone was approximately 20% and did not vary with swimming speed, but its blockade increased fAB at all speeds, compared to untreated animals. This reveals complex effects of autonomic control on air-breathing during exercise in C. gariepinus, which deserve further investigation.