Introduction: Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus species dominate Nigerian aquaculture, contributing over 80% of production. However, hatchery challenges, particularly high mortality rates linked to inbreeding, hinder seed value chain sustainability.
Aim: This study aimed to improve clariid catfish strains by evaluating the reproductive performance and growth traits of wild Clarias gariepinus from River Benue, Lake Chad, and Ogun River, alongside a cultured strain from Lagos State University Hatchery.
Materials and Methods:
Broodstocks were sourced with artisanal fishermen’s assistance, identified, and acclimatized before spawning. Reproductive parameters—fecundity, fertilization, and hatchability—were assessed post-hypophysation. Frys were reared into fingerlings (Mean, 7±2.0g) and stocked in triplicate within mobile tarpaulin tanks at 4 fish/m³. They were fed a 45% protein diet twice daily for eight months.
Results: Results indicated that the Benue strain excelled in fertilization (90.26%), hatchability (91.53%), and survival (79.56%) but had the lowest fecundity (19,572.44 eggs). The Lake Chad strain exhibited the highest fecundity (113,561.75 eggs) but had lower fertilization (56.41%) and survival (61.59%). Growth performance assessments showed the Ogun strain had the highest final weight (795.57g), specific growth rate (3.974), and best feed conversion ratio (1.62). Proximate composition analysis revealed the Benue strain had the highest crude protein content (17.86%), while the Lake Chad strain had the highest crude fat (15.01%). Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences among strains.
Conclusion: Despite the Benue strain's reproductive advantages, the Ogun strain demonstrated the best balance of fecundity, growth, and feed efficiency, making it the most commercially viable for aquaculture.