Comparative Growth Performance of two Strains of African Sharptooth Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (normally Pigmented and Albino) fed Commercial Catfish Diets in Collapsible Tarpaulin Tanks
Umanah, Saviour Isonguyoh & Harry, Ebenezer Harry
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environmental Management University of Uyo, PMB 1017, Uyo, Nigeria
Email: saviourumanah@gmail.com,
Corresponding Author: Umanah,Saviour Isonguyoh
ABSTRACT
This study compared growth performance of two strains (normally pigmented and albino) of African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus fed commercial diets in collapsible tarpaulin tanks. Fingerlings were stocked at 20 fish per m2 and replicated three times for the normally pigmented and albino C. gariepinus. The fish were fed twice daily at 6% body weight, and the culture period lasted 20 weeks (140 days). Results showed significant differences in crude protein, nitrogen free extract and ash levels between the normally pigmented and albino C. gariepinus (p<0.05). However, crude lipid, fibre and energy deposits in the tissues of both strains of C. gariepinus exhibited no significant differences (p>0.05). Mean length gain, mean weight gain and mean growth rate were significantly different (p<0.05) in both the normally pigmented and albino C. gariepinus. Specific growth rate and survival rate were insignificantly different (p>0.05) between normally pigmented and albino C. gariepinus. Feed utilization results showed significant difference (p<0.05) in feed consumed, protein consumed and protein productive value between the normally pigmented and albino C. gariepinus. However, feed conversion ratio, feed conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were insignificantly different (p>0.05) between both strains of C. gariepinus. The growth performance (mean weight gain) of the normally pigmented strain was better compared to that of the albino. The albino strain can still grow to be used as food fish as well as its being a good ornamental choice.
Keywords: normally pigmented, albino, growth performance, Clarias gariepinus
