Catfish Research Articles

Economic Analysis and Efficiency of Small-Scale Catfish Farms in Delta State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency and profitability of catfish farms in Delta State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study sort to: evaluate the level of efficiency in catfish farms, ascertain the profitability of catfish farms, identify the strategies for enhancing efficiency among catfish farmers and determine the effect of socio-economic and institutional characteristics on the efficiency of cat fish farmers. A multi-stage and proportionate random sampling technique was adopted in the selection of 600 Catfish farmer. Primary data were collected using well-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out on the objectives using the descriptive and inferential statistics of frequency, percentage, mean, budgetary analysis, and multiple regression technique. The result shows that majority 81% of catfish farmers were male with a mean age of 47 years. Most respondents 65% were married with a mean household size of 5 persons. Regarding education, 46.7% had secondary education and their primary sources of credit were cooperatives 41.9%. The mean farming experience was 11 years with 43.3% farming primarily for commercial purposes. The most common production method was tarpaulin 56.7%. The study identified various strategies for enhancing catfish production which include regular feeding, use of commercial feed, good water quality control, personal labor to reduce cost, and regular medication. The multiple regression model indicated that, variables such as the level of farming expertise, the type of labor employed, and educational qualification, stocking density, membership of association, pond size, and household size had significant effects on production efficiency of catfish farms. This result underscored the significance of providing customized training, group networking assistance and access to credit and extension services to enhance the overall efficiency of catfish farms in Delta State.

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE ACUTE TOXICITY EFFECTS OF FRIED CAT FISH EXTRACT ON BIOCHEMICAL, HEMATOLOGICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF WISTAR RATS

Some food processing techniques have been linked with formation of toxic chemicals known as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are found in some processed foods and have been widely attributed to the prevalence of cancer of liver and stomach in Nigeria. However, the toxicological effects of the consumption of fried fish have not been adequately documented. Therefore, this study investigated the toxicological effects of PAHs in fried cat fish on Wistar rats. Fifty five rats were used in the study and they were divided into control and ten treatment groups with daily administration of fried fish extract at dosage of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg/kg body weight to the rats for 14 days. The results showed that the activities of serum, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phospherase (ALP), asparte aminotransferase (AST) as well as urea and creatinine concentration were affected across the treated groups of animals which were indications for hepatorenal damage. White blood cell (WBC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) showed significant changes in response to the administered dosage compared to the control. The liver showed no significant histopathological changes between the test rats and control. The architecture of sections of kidney treated groups was similar to that of the control in which the renal corpuscles maintained their normal size of urinary space and normal tubular structures with no necrosis observed. The result revealed that there can be potential toxicity if there is repeated indulgence to fried cat fish at the temperatures between 160 – 230 oC.

A Review of Pangasiid Catfish Genomics for Conservation and Aquaculture: Current Status and Way Forward

Due to its ecological and economic importance, the family Pangasiidae has been the focus of considerable biological and genetic research. This family includes thirty species of catfish distributed among four genera: Helicophagus, Pangasianodon, Pangasius, and Pseudolais within the order Siluriformes. In recent years, genomic-scale data for a wide range of aquatic species have been more easily available and accessible through next-generation sequencing. Draft genome sequences of numerous fishes have been the basis for many downstream investigations. However, although genomic-based technologies allow for the collection of robust data, there is a dearth of research on pangasiid catfishes, which could potentially enhance fisheries’ management and aquaculture. To realise its aquaculture potential and strategise the conservation of this family, fundamental knowledge of its biology, genetics, and genomics, among others, is critical. This review focuses on the current molecular knowledge of the family Pangasiidae, the remaining gaps, and the challenges faced in closing these gaps.

A Study on Total Mercury Content in Surface Water and Backwater Fishes of Periyar

Aquatic systems are extensively contaminated with heavy metals released due to anthropogenic activities. Mercury is one of toxic elements and its toxicity to humans has been established. The concern about mercuric pollution in the environments started with the incident of ‘Minamata’ in Japan in 1950’s. During the study period, flowing mercury electrode was used for the preparation of caustic at Travancore Cochin Chemicals Ltd (TCC), Eloor and effluents of small industries at Edayar were the sources of mercuric pollution. Surface water samples were collected from 1Km apart from TCC, near to Indian Rare Earth Ltd (IRE), Muttinakam and Mannamthuruth and fishes (male and female) were collected from this region with the help of local fishermen. This study implies the amount of mercury in aquatic system and its influence in different body components of three fishes. Total mercury content in both the samples analysed using cold vapour atomic absorption using Mercury Analyser MA-5840 and loss on mercury on heating processes (fishes) was decreased by the use of Bethge Apparatus. Fishes were Oreochromis mossambicus (Thilapia), Mugil cephalus (Mullet) and Arius arius (Cat fish) which were living in surface to near shore, middle of the river and bottom. The proximate composition (AOAC, 2000) of fishes showed that they were low fat (0.57-4.24%) with high protein content (18.4-21.96%). The total mercury content in surface water varied from 1.667- 3.334ng/ml and it was above tolerance level (1ng/ml) while in fishes followed the order A. arius> M. cephalus> O. mossambicus. Relatively higher concentrations of mercury were noticed in gut and liver than muscle, and also male fishes predominated over female. This study shows that mercury cycle in the habitat water did not influence to any hazardous level in these three fishes.

Effect of cryoprotectant and concentration on the sperm quality of walking catfish, Clarias batrachus, post-cryopreservation

BACKGROUND: Walking catfish, Clarias batrachus is one of the native and most popular freshwater catfish species in Indonesia. However, cultivation faces challenges, particularly due to the scarcity of larvae resulting from underdeveloped breeding technologies. Cryopreservation is a method of storing sperm to maintain viability for a long period and support the breeding technology of the fish. Cryoprotectant, in this context, plays an important role in determining the success of sperm cryopreservation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the best type and concentration of cryoprotectant for cryopreservation of walking catfish sperm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of five different types of cryoprotectants, namely DMSO, glycerol, ethyl glycol, ethanol, and methanol, were tested at four concentration levels namely 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, each with four replications. RESULTS: The type and concentration of cryoprotectant had a significant effect on sperm motility and viability (P<0.05). The best outcomes were obtained with 5% DMSO and ethyl glycol, 10% glycerol and methanol, as well as 15% ethanol. CONCLUSION: The highest motility and viability values were obtained with 5% DMSO, resulting in its recommendation for cryopreservation of walking catfish sperm.

Microbial Load and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Microflora Isolated from Smoked Catfish and Mackerel Sold in Ghanaian Markets: A Potential Health Threat

Introduction: Smoked fish, particularly catfish and mackerel, plays a vital role in the Ghanaian diet, serving as a rich source of protein and essential nutrients. Smoking is a traditional preservation method widely used to extend the shelf life of fish, enhance flavor, and make it more palatable. However, despite the advantages of smoking, the process does not entirely eliminate the risk of microbial contamination, which can have significant health implications. Aim of Study: This study examined the microbial flora contamination of the smoked fish sold in Ghanaian markets. Methodology: The research was conducted in three markets: Kejetia Market, Ejura Market and Ejusu. A total of 75 different smoke-dried fish including Cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) and Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from the markets. The fish samples were collected and kept in sterile polythene bags and transported to the laboratory for microbial analysis. Result: The study revealed that out of 75 samples analyzed, approximately 23% (n=17) were found to be contaminated with microorganisms. Escherichia coli had the highest occurrence, detected in 35.2% (6/17) of the total samples. Additionally, Shigella flexneri and Salmonella arizonae were each found in 17.6% (3/17) of the total samples. Klebsiella oxytoca was 11.7% (2/17), and Enterobacter aerogenes, Streptobacillus monilliforms, and Fusobacterium necrophorus each constituted 5.8% (1/17) of the total samples. All the identified isolates were susceptible to gentamycin (100%), and all the isolates were resistant to lincomycin (100%). Overall resistance rates for each antibiotic for all the organisms identified are lincomycin (100%), penicillin (67%), ampicillin (81%), erythromycin (65%), tetracycline (63%), neomycin (61%), cloxaxillin (43%), kanamycin (24%), and sulphamethaxole (13%). All the isolates have 100% resistance to at least three antibiotics used except for Salmonella arizonae. Conclusion: To Address these findings, a collaborative effort is required among regulatory authorities, food producers, and healthcare providers to implement stringent food safety protocols and mitigate the risks associated with contaminated fish consumption.

An Empirical Assessment of Diversity in Fish Species: Case Study of Madhubani District, India

Sarisab Pahi Chaur is a wetland sites in the Madhubani district, Bihar has rich fish diversity. The present investigation was undertaken the status of fish diversity and seasonal impacts on them in Sarisab Pahi Chaur of Madhubani, Bihar. A total number of 29 species representing 17 families of 9 orders of class Actinopterygii were identified from Sarisab Pahi Chaur wetland, the various species of order Cypriniformes 49% and Clupeiformes 16% dominated in the wetland followed by order Siluriformes 15%, Perciformes 12%, Channiformes 6%, Symbrachiformes, Beloniformes, Anguilliformes and Mugiliformes respectively. In present investigation species diversity of fishes of Sarisab Pahi Chaur, ranged between the lowest 0.943 June, 2021 and the highest 1.346 May, 2022. Species evenness (J) of fishes of Sarisab Pahi Chaur, varied from the lowest 0.787 July, 2021 and the highest 0.933 March, 2022 during the investigation period. Species richness (d) of fishes of Sarisab Pahi Chaur, varied from the lowest 6.603 June, 2021 and the highest 12.411 May, 2022. The value of Shannon-Wiener diversity, Species richness and the Evenness in different months are the different value which is depends upon the fish density and physico-chemical parameters of water of wetland. The paper takes into account to explore the importance of wild variety in fish seed production and its support in sustainable livelihood development.

The biodiversity of fish in transboundary rivers from north-eastern Bangladesh

The biodiversity of freshwater fish is disappearing at an alarming rate around the globe, with transboundary rivers in Bangladesh being especially vulnerable. From October to December 2023, we surveyed the fish biodiversity of 11 transboundary rivers in north-eastern Bangladesh using the available literature and online FishBase data for species identification. We also added a small number of specimens from our previously examined samples that comprised of 74 fish species belonging to eight orders and twenty-four families. Our survey results indicate that the order Cypriniformes had the biggest number of species (38%), followed by the orders Siluriformes (30%), Perciformes (24%), Clupeiformes (3%), Synbranchiformes (1%), Beloniformes (1%), and Tetraodontiformes (1%). Less than 30% of the entire studied area had 26 fish, indicating that the fish population was confined to a relatively limited region. The total number of species was lower than that we had anticipated, which explains the declining trend of the fish biodiversity in the transboundary rivers of north-eastern Bangladesh. Our survey data have allowed us to gain some early understanding of the hidden biodiversity of fish in these rivers, which may prove useful to other researchers conducting follow-up studies. Since there is currently no published description of the ichthyofaunal diversity in transboundary rivers, the current data on 74 species of ichthyofauna will be useful to future researchers, planners, and policymakers. In order to safeguard the faunal composition of a riverine ecosystem, more efforts incorporating genetic data will be helpful in detecting the biodiversity of fish as well as the cryptic species of other transboundary riverine systems. These efforts will also reinforce the need to re-evaluate the checklist and promote sustainable conservation directions.

Comparative Acute Toxicity Studies of Chlorpyrifos Technical Grade with its Emulsifiable Concentrate (20% EC) on Labeo rohita, a Freshwater Major Carp, and Mystus vittatus, a Freshwater Catfish.

Chlorpyrifos is widely used across the world as an organophosphate insecticide and frequently contaminates freshwater bodies through runoff from agricultural fields. In the laboratory, static bioassays were undertaken to examine differences in acute toxicity caused by exposure to the technical grade (94% a.i.) and an emulsifiable concentrate (20% EC) of chlorpyrifos to two species of freshwater fish, Labeo rohita and Mystus vittatus. The recovery of actual chlorpyrifos concentrations varied from 83% (technical grade, T) to 89% (emulsifiable concentrate, F) after two hours in water. The susceptibilities of the two fish species to the two types of chlorpyrifos varied. The 96-h LC50 values for T and F chlorpyrifos in L. rohita were 68 and 36µg/L, respectively, and 120 and 62µg/L in M. vittatus, respectively. As the exposure period was extended, the LC50 values gradually decreased. LC50 values between the technical grade and formulation were compared following the criteria of Mayer et al. (1986), Schmuck et al. (1994), APHA (1995), and Demetrio et al. (2014). It was concluded from the study that the emulsifiable concentrate (20% EC) of chlorpyrifos was more toxic than technical-grade chlorpyrifos.

Ovarian histology of the freshwater catfish Silonia silondia (Hamilton, 1822)

Histological characterization of gonadal tissues and their development can divulge vital clues to interpret the onset and progression of the spawning period in fish species and help in wild stock augmentation to conserve the natural fish stocks. In the present study, ovarian histology of female Silonia silonda was investigated from the Kangsha River, Bangladesh from March to November 2018. During this investigation, 54 females of Silonia silondia was analyzed to study the ovarian development. The histological evaluation revealed five distinct stages of gonadal development (Immature, Developing, Spawning capable, Regression or spent and Regeneration or Re-developing). Six phases of oocyte development were further characterized during the gonadal development stages as under-developed, primary growth, cortical alveolar, vitellogenic, pre-mature, and mature stage. In conclusion, the gonado-somatic index and histological analysis of ovaries indicated that the peak spawning of S. silondia occurs in July, and suggesting that the studied fish spawns once per breeding season. The present study recommends year round investigation of gonadal cycle and gonad developmental study of male individuals of S. silonida.

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of freshwater catfish, Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) from different rivers of North India

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of freshwater catfish, Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) from different rivers of North India

An integrative framework for brain tumor segmentation and classification using neuraclassnet

Technological developments in medical image processing have created a state-of-the-art framework for accurately identifying and classifying brain tumors. To improve the accuracy of brain tumor segmentation, this study introduced VisioFlow FusionNet, a robust neural network architecture that combines the best features of DeepVisioSeg and SegFlowNet. The proposed system uses deep learning to identify the cancer site from medical images and provides doctors with valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning. This combination provides a synergistic effect that improves segmentation performance and addresses challenges encountered across various tumor shapes and sizes. In parallel, robust brain tumor classification is achieved using NeuraClassNet, a classification component optimized with a dedicated catfish optimizer. NeuraClassNet’s convergence and generalization capabilities are powered by the Cat Fish optimizer, which draws inspiration from the adaptive properties of aquatic predators. By complementing a comprehensive diagnostic pipeline, this classification module helps clinicians accurately classify brain tumors based on various morphological and histological features. The proposed framework outperforms current approaches regarding segmentation accuracy (99.2%) and loss (2%) without overfitting.

Impact of Agricultural Insecticide Vapona on a Freshwater Catfish Heteropneustes Fossilis: A Toxicity Study

This study investigates the critical toxicity of Vapona in the air-breathing freshwater catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). The LC50 values (median lethal concentration) were determined using a static bioassay method over 24, 48, 72, and 96-hour exposure periods. The LC50 values for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of Vapona were found to be 400, 378, 320, and 275 ppm, respectively. An increased mucus secretion was observed at higher concentrations, suggesting a physiological response to the toxicant. The potential causes of mortality in the fish were also analyzed and discussed.

Contemporary Trends in the Spatial Extent of Common Riverine Fish Species in Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin

As one of the world’s most regulated river basins, the semi-arid Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) in south-eastern Australia is considered at high ecological risk, with substantial declines in native fish populations already identified and climate change threats looming. This places great importance on the collection and use of data to document population trends over large spatial extents, inform management decisions, and provide baselines from which change can be measured. We used two medium-term data sets (10 MDB basin-wide fish surveys from 2004–2022) covering the 23 catchments and 68 sub-catchments of the MDB to investigate trends in the distribution of common riverine species at the entire basin scale. Fifteen native species were analysed for changes in their contemporary range, and whilst short-term changes were identified, all species showed no significant continuous trend over the study period. We further analysed the native species extent relative to their historic records, with bony herring and golden perch occurring in 78% and 68% of their historic river kilometres, respectively, whereas southern pygmy perch, northern river blackfish, silver perch, mountain galaxias, and freshwater catfish were all estimated to occur in less than 10% of their historic extent. Six established non-native species were also analysed and were very consistent in extent over the years, suggesting that they are near the available limits of expansion of their invasion. We provide effect sizes for the spatial extent index which can be used as baselines for future studies, especially those aiming to monitor changes in the spatial extent and population status of native species, or changes in the spatial extent of new or existing non-native species.

PILAT (FRESHWATER CATFISH FARMING) IN AN EFFORT TO OPTIMIZE FACILITIES AND IMPROVE THE ECONOMY AT NURUL AMANAH BOARDING SCHOOL

Background: Nurul Amanah Islamic boarding school has adequate catfish production facilities, including 12 biofloc catfish ponds, plenty of water, seed and feed wholesalers near the pesantren, and fish collectors ready to sell the catfish harvest. The facilities are still not being used properly. Objective: To establish the economic potential of catfish culture, as well as how to manage and spawn catfish in order to carry out catfish cultivation sustainably. Method: Education is provided by presenting maintenance procedures, feed management that uses maggots as feed support, and proper spawning techniques that identify catfish gonads based on maturity level. The practice of catfish cultivation is carried out by forming the organizational structure of the catfish cultivation board, as well as a rotating picket schedule, the practice of spawning mature catfish by separating them in a concrete pool and giving fibers as a place for catfish to lay eggs later, and after laying eggs within 24 hours, the fibers are taken and separated from the mother to avoid the mother eating eggs. The next practice is to feed catfish on a regular basis in the morning and evening, using maggot as a mixture. Results: The training of freshwater catfish cultivation, it can re-optimize the function of the facilities that are already available. Conclusion: The initiative has been effectively implemented at Pondok Pesantren Nurul Amanah.

Osmoregulation and HSP70 abundance in freshwater catfish Rhamdia quelen under acute salt exposure

Osmoregulation and HSP70 abundance in freshwater catfish Rhamdia quelen under acute salt exposure

The Significance of Processing Techniques on the Quality of Smoked African Cat Fish (Clarias gariepinus) Using Different Energy Sources

There is unavoidable need for fish smoking as a preservative technique to reduce rampant post harvest losses in the tropical Africa. However the imperative of healthier and quality smoked products through improved processing method were however investigated. Organoleptic and chemical assessment of African catfish collected from a reputable fish farm in Ogbomoso, Oyo state Nigeria was carried out. Eviscerated and non-eviserated fish samples were smoked using four different smoke sources: Gmelina (Gmnelina arborea), Parkia (Parkia biglobosa), Neem (Azadirachita indica) and charcoal. Overall acceptability was based on 5-point Hedonic scale (excellent (5) - poor (1). Chemical test was on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon contents (benzo(a)pyrene, Fluoranthene, Napthalene, Acenapthalene, Chrysene and Benzo(ghi) perylene). Data were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using general linear mode (GLM) of Factorial Experimental Design and means were separated by Duncan’s multiple range tests (P<0.05). Non- eviscerated smoked African catfish samples had lower scores for colour than eviscerated smoked samples for energy sources used. Eviscerated samples had mean scores of 4.64, 3.91, 3.36 and 2.82 for charcoal, Gmelina, Neem and Parkia smoked samples respectively, much better than scores of 4.36, 2.46, 2.36 and 2.27 obtained for non-eviscerated samples. Total concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were highest in samples produced using Gmelina as smoke source and Neem for eviscerated (15.25 µg/kg) and non-eviscerated (29.43 µg/kg) samples respectively. Evisceration of fish prior to smoking enhances its sensory characteristics however; concentrations of PAHs for both eviscerated and non-eviscerated fish samples were within the recommended international standard limit.

Effects of Feed Deprivation on the Biochemical Responses of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Effects of Feed Deprivation on the Biochemical Responses of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Decoding the molecular phylogenetics of ornamental catfishes (siluriformes) of North East India using DNA barcoding approach.

Catfishes (order Siluriformes) are among the most diverse and widely distributed fish groups in the world. They are not only used for human consumption but are also a major part of the ornamental fish trade. Being a Biodiversity Hotspot, the North Eastern Region of India is home to a diverse population of ornamental fishes. Catfishes contain a humongous number of species; in this study, the authors have tried to elucidate the phylogenetic relationship of some important ornamental catfishes found in North East India using DNA barcodes. In this study, we have tried to explore the phylogenetic history of 13 species (41 specimens) of ornamental catfishes spanning 12 genera and 9 families of Siluriformes using DNA barcoding. Pairwise genetic distances using Kimura 2-Parameter (K2P) were calculated at intra-specific and inter-specific levels. A Neighbor-Joining tree was constructed to understand the phylogenetic relationship among the nine different catfish families. All the specimens under this study clustered with their respective species under the same family and formed three sub-clades. However, Olyra longicaudata, belonging to the Bagridae family, did not cluster with other species from the same family. In this study, the authors have suggested a revision of the classification of O. longicaudata back to its original family, Olyridae. In this study, the maximum intraspecific genetic distance of 0.03 and the minimum interspecific genetic distance of 0.14 were observed among the species. Therefore, it is evident that there is a barcoding gap among the species, which helped in the correct identification of the species. Thus, DNA barcoding helped complement the phenetic approach and also revealed a different phylogenetic relationship among the catfishes belonging to the Bagridae family.

Acute toxicity of rich triethylene glycol on juvenile African freshwater catfish (Clarias gariepinus) around a natural gas dehydration facility

Triethylene glycol (TEG) removes equilibrium water from natural gas but may spill during equipment maintenance and other poor safety practices. Studies on the toxicity of rich TEG in aquatic habitats are scarce. In this study, the toxicity of rich TEG on freshwater juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) test organism was conducted. The experimental design for the toxicity tests was 3 × 5 × 6 factor in a randomized complete block design, with six levels of treatment, observed at five intervals and in three replicates. The acute toxicity was carried out by exposing them to various lethal concentrations of the Rich TEG in solution. Physicochemical parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and total dissolved solids, were measured and recorded for five test concentrations of 25.92, 12.96, 6.48, 3.24, 1.62, and 0.0 ml/l (control). The concentration responses for the fish mortality at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h were also derived. No mortality was observed between Rich TEG concentrations of 0 ml/l to 25.92 ml/l after 72 h of exposure. However, some mortality was observed between 1.62 ml/l to 25.92 ml/l after 96 h of exposure. The highest concentration of 25.92 ml/l recorded a higher mortality of 6.0 ± 0.4, which is an average of 60%, while the lowest mortality was recorded in the control (0 ml/l), at an average of 0% mortality rate. The results underscore the concentration-dependent effects of rich TEG on the test organism, highlighting the need for targeted attention to higher concentration levels.