A Comparative Study on Growth Performance and Survival Rate of Clarias Gariepinus Burchell, 1822 and Heterobranchus longifilis Valenciesnnes, 1840 under Water Recirculation System

Abstract

The growth performance and survival rate of Clarias gariepinus burchell, 1822 and Heterobranchus longifilis valenciesnnes, 1840 under water recirculation system were examined. The post fingerlings of the two species were stocked at 486 fish/m 3 /tank and fed coppens® feed for sixteen weeks. Fish body weights were determined bi-weekly using electronic weighing balance. Final mean weight of 170.49 a ± 14.39g (C. gariepinus) and 42.78 b ± 1.57g (H. longifilis) were obtained. H. longifilis had a better survival rate (86.21%) compared to C. gariepinus (66.94%). The performance index (PI) showed that C. gariepinus (PI=101.90 b) performed better than H. longifilis (PI=30.50 a). The water quality variables were similar in the culture tanks. The results of the present experiment showed that post fingerlings of the two species of clariid catfish have different growth performance, survival and feed utilization efficiency under water recirculation system with C. gariepinus having better growth performance and yield than H. longifilis.Therefore, the culture of Clarias gariepinus clariid catfish under water recirculation system is recommended for better yield and profitability.