Nigerian J. Anim. Sci. 2019, 21 (3): 179-192

Comparative study of growth parameters of African as panacea for food security

*1Abanikannda, O.T.F., 2Jimoh, A.A., 1Abagun, A.A. and 2Badmus, L.A.

1Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Lagos State University, Ojo – Lagos, Nigeria 2Department of Fisheries, Lagos State University, Ojo – Lagos, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: [email protected] Phone Number: +234 802 312 8376

Target audience: Fish farmers, Scientists, Government policy makers

Abstract

Aquaculture assist in bridging the wide gap by meeting demands for fish and provision of less expensive protein in Nigeria. gariepinus and Heterobranchus bidorsalis are generally acceptable important of , and highly priced because of their high biological values in terms of protein retention, assimilation and low cholesterol content, necessitating the need to evaluate their potentials. Fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus (purebreed) and Clariabranchus (hybrid) were grouped according to their weights, assigned to two tanks each and fed 5% of their body weight daily. Measurements of body weight (g), total length (cm) and standard length (cm) were taken weekly on each fish. At the commencement of the experiment, there were 281 fishes comprising 150 pure breed and 131 hybrids. By the end of the study some died or were outliers. A total of 224 fishes comprising 108 pure breed and 116 hybrids were finally evaluated. Indices computed included Length-Weight Relationship (LWR), Fulton’s Condition Factor (K), Absolute Growth Rate (AGR), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Mean Growth Rate (MGR). The coefficient of the LWR was respectively 2.42 and 2.82 for the pure breed and hybrids. Effect of breed was highly significant (P<0.01) on all variables studied and the hybrid consistently outperformed the pure breed except in exception of condition factor which is a measure of wellness of the fish. The superiority of the hybrid over the pure breed in all variables studied except one, is indicative of its potential as a better feed converter, thus it is more efficient in feed utilization, and it is recommended for commercial fish producers for maximum yield and higher profit. The study provides a veritable platform for further research on the potentials of interspecific hybridization with a view to minimize production cost engendered by high cost of feed.

Key words: Catfish, Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Growth traits, interspecific hybridization, Aquaculture

Description of Problem the recent past, since fish is one of the cheapest Nigeria’s population, estimated in 2018 to and readily available source of animal protein be around 194,615,054, with an estimated in the country (2). Fish is the most easily annual increase of 2.67% amounting to affordable source of animal protein in every 5,055,552 million people more than the average Nigerian family home and in the world projection in the previous year. This implies at large with reports showing that fish account that the Nigerian population is among the for more than forty percent (40%) protein diet fastest growing populations of the world with a for about two-third of the global population consequential significant increase in food (3). demand as a result of the population growth The Federal Department of Fisheries (1). estimated that the current annual aquaculture The significant growth in population with production hovers around 0.62 million metric its attendant increased demand and tons with small scale fish farming supplying consumption of fish has been on increase in the greatest percentage of the Nigerian annual

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Abanikannda et al fish production output (4). However, the solving the issues of food insecurity affecting production level has been hampered due to the ever-increasing human population in high cost of feeding fish coupled with the Nigeria. Fish Culture or pisciculture involves exorbitant cost of protein as feed ingredient the raising of fishes commercially in tanks or and high demand of fish as food. enclosed water bodies usually for food or To surmount these twin problems of high commercial sale. It is the principal form of demand for fish and high cost of common aquaculture (9) and with increasing interest in animal protein diets, aquaculture, simply the development of fish culture, the search for known as aquatic farming is the best option in suitable species of fish for culture becomes bridging the wide gap between satisfaction of important. In recent years fish production in human demands for fish and provision of less Nigeria has not been consistent hence, there is expensive domestic aquatic products in most need to tackle the problems of over part of the country (5). exploitation, inefficiency of fisheries Prior to the discovery of oil in the 1970’s, management policy and obnoxious fishing Nigeria was a leading nation in fish production methods as these challenges affects fisheries within Africa but suddenly became a major development in Nigeria. fish importing nation since the government Genetic techniques are needed to ensure neglected agriculture in general and the production of fish breed with faster growth aquaculture in particular. However, it is only rate, high feed conversion, shorter production this abandoned sector that would revive cycle as well as a greater tolerance for poor Nigeria from its woes of food insecurity and water conditions. Since one single specie may meeting the unending demand for fish by not have all these attributes, it then becomes humans (6). The 1996 World Food Summit necessary to cross amongst different species. defined food security as a situation that exists Hybridization studies in fish are very scanty when all people, at all times, have physical, and very few reports are available. However, social and economic access to sufficient, safe there are reports on artificial hybridization and nutritious foods that meets their dietary between catfishes viz; Clarias needs and food preferences for a healthy life gariepinus×Hetrobranchus longifilis and (3). Clarias gariepinus × Heterobranchus In general, aquaculture plays a major role in bidorsalis (10). Generally, hybridization the economic sector of developing countries of entails formation of new organism either Africa like Nigeria by producing fish on a naturally or by human intervention by large-scale basis in and out of season ensuring combining the genes of two different parental regular supply to meet the food demands of the species or subspecies. Fish hybridization increasing Nigerian population (7). It is the occurs when two different species, genera or fastest growing food production sector in the families are crossed, backcrossed or outcrossed country with an average annual rate of about to give hybrids of desired qualities. It is one of 8.8% accounting for 47% of Nigeria’s fish the genetic techniques which helps to remove supply (8). undesirable characteristics from cultured Due to the reckless fishing methods and species while retaining only the desirable ones destruction of the natural environment which and it is a major and important prospect of fish has led to the low supply of fish, there is need culture (11, 12 and 13). to artificially propagate fish seeds. Fish culture Clarias gariepinus (14) and has become an innovative technology aimed at Heterobranchus bidorsalis (15) species of fish producing large quantities of fish for food thus are genus of the African catfish belonging to

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Abanikannda et al the family Clariidae. Due to their fast growth there is a need to increase the local production rate, high feed conversion ratio and utilization, of both species (5). high resistance to stress and disease, The study of both species of the African desirability as food, acceptability of artificial catfish, Clarias gariepinus and diets and feeds over a wide range of diets, they Heterobranchus bidorsalis is to assess both are widespread and have been identified in the species and formulate an important tool in African aquatic ecology (16). Growth, the differentiating and comparing these closely irreversible increase in size (length, volume, related species of organisms having huge mass and body composition) of an organism similarities. Thus, this study is focused mainly over time is influenced by many factors such on establishing relationships and differences as temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, between pure Clarias gariepinus and Clarias photoperiodism and stocking density (13, 17 gariepinus x Heterobranchus bidorsalis hybrid and 18). Aquaculturists typically report of the African catfishes using various growth using absolute (g/d), relative (% measurements and computed indices of some increase in body weight), and specific growth growth parameters. The objectives of this rates (%d) and each of these rates is a study therefore are to examine potentials numerical representation of growth which across purelines and hybrid juveniles of the assumes a specific relationship between size African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with a and time (19). Fish growth is influenced by view to evaluate the growth parameters of the feed availability and intake, genetics, age and two lines and compare their performances. size, environment and nutrition, and feed intake is perhaps the most prominent factor Materials and Methods affecting growth rate of fish (20). Study site: The experiment was conducted at They are highly priced globally and in Nigeria the hatchery of the Department of Fisheries, due to their tremendous contribution towards Lagos State University, Ojo between ameliorating food insecurity coupled with their November 2018 and March 2019. It is located high biological values in terms of protein at latitude 6° 28.226’ N and longitude 3° retention, assimilation and low cholesterol 12.019’ E, with an average annual rainfall of content. Their high quality and better taste of 1693mm and average temperature of 27.0°C. flesh makes them highly demanded, hence

Figure 1: The African Catfishes studied Heterbranchus bidorsalis and Clarias gariepinus (Source Wikipedia)

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Experimental Units: Pure lines of male and maturation age and growth rate, they both female brood stocks of both Clarias gariepinus belong to the same family Clariidae. (Table 1). (14), and Heterobranchus bidorsalis (15) are They both possess well developed sensory obtained from two different reputable organs and a hearing apparatus called the swim commercial fish farms in Badagry and Ikorodu bladder serving as their inner ear. They are axis of Lagos to minimize chances of hardy and as such survive a wide range of relatedness and inbreeding and transferred to extreme aquatic conditions and their the earthen pond at the hatchery to acclimatize possession of accessory breathing lungs them for one week before breeding. complement their gills which enables them live Anatomically, both species have little or several hours outside water bodies. no difference (Figure 1) except in the

Table 1: Taxonomical Classification of Clarias Gariepinus and Heterobranchus Bidorsalis*

Kingdom Animalia Animalia Phylum Chordata Chordata Super class Osteichthyes Osteichthyes Class Actinopterygii Order Siluriformes Siluriformes Family Clariidae Clariidae Genus Heterobranchus Clarias Species Heterobranchus bidorsalis Clarias gariepinus * = (Burchell, 1822) and (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1809)

Table 2: Mean ± Standard Error of Variables at different stages of Measurement Initial Measurements Second Measurements Final Measurements Variable N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE Body Weight (g) Hybrid 123 a 4.15±.21 123 a 10.61±.50 116 a 13.49±.67 Pure breed 117 a 4.04±.16 117 b 6.39±.25 108 b 9.74±.33 Combined 240 4.09±.13 240 8.55±.31 224 11.68±.40 Total Length (cm) Hybrid 123 a10.08±.18 123 a 10.88±.18 116 a 12.02±.21 Pure breed 117 b 8.04±.12 117 b 9.05±.13 108 b 10.43±.15 Combined 240 9.08±.13 240 9.99±.13 224 11.25±.14 Standard Length (cm) Hybrid 123 a 8.82±.16 123 a 9.44±.16 116 a 10.36±.18 Pure breed 117 b 7.22±.11 117 b 7.99±.11 108 b 9.19±.13 Combined 240 8.04±.11 240 8.73±.11 224 9.80±.12 Means with different superscript within the same column are significantly different (P<0.05)

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Behaviourally, both are very active at night incubation. and often referred to as nocturnal , and Eggs were carefully laid on a mesh inside are omnivorous and bottom feeders exhibiting the circular tanks to monitor hatching predatory behaviors and cannibalism. In processes 22-24 hours later, eggs of pure lines captivity, reproduction isn’t natural hence of Clarias gariepinus and Heteroclarias artificial propagation is often adopted for their hatched forming larvae while eggs of the reproduction (21). second hybrid line (Clariabranchus) and that of the pure Heterobranchus birdosalis line got Experimental design infected and died off. Brood stocks (two males ♂ and two Larvae of both hatched breeds were females ♀) used in the production of new allowed to absorb their yolks for three days hatchlings for the experiment were obtained while still incubating in the circular tanks. based on their external morphological Larvae developed into frys and were fed with characteristics: gravid and distended abdomen Artemia twice daily for the first three weeks in females and reddish colour on genital and subsequent feeding is as earlier described papillae tip in males. (22). Fingerlings Production Prior to breeding, the circular tanks in the Measurements and Data Collection hatchery were thoroughly washed, disinfected Fingerlings of both breeds were grouped and prepared for the process of fertilization according to their body weights into two tanks and hatching of fries. Breeding process for each line based on their body weight to commenced by artificially inseminating the minimize cannibalism during the rearing female Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus period over a period of 4 months within the birdosalis by injecting intraperitoneally with a hatchery. single dose of hormone (Ovaprim) at 22:00 Measurements including weight (g), total hours. Both female fishes were hand stripped length (cm) measured from the maxilla to the for eggs after a latency period of eight hours, end of the caudal fin, and standard length (cm) then the eggs were collected in a bowl. Milt measured from the maxilla to the end of the extraction was done by dissecting the testes caudal peduncle were taken weekly for both after sacrificing males of both breeds. Few lines. Aside from the weight, total length and eggs from the female specie of Clarias brood standard length recorded at the commencement stock was mixed with the milt of the male of the experiment which was defaulted to Heterobranchus and vice versa to get fertilized initial values, further recordings were made at eggs of hybrids Heteroclarias and weekly intervals spanning a period of 21 days. Clariabranchus. Subsequently the remaining Fish weights were taken using a professional eggs from the female Clarias specie and digital scale sensitive to 0.00 grams. Data Heterobranchus were mixed with milt from collected included body weight and linear their respective males to get pure lines of both body measurements using a ruler and digital Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus Vernier caliper. bidorsalis respectively. Each recording was appropriately tagged The resultant eggs and milt were mixed to and weekly measurements were computed as produce four lines, which were gently stirred the difference between the current and prior with a plastic spoon, rinsed with distilled water week recordings. Other parameters such as and introduced into circular tanks with Absolute Growth Rate (AGR), Specific continuous water flow- through system for Growth Rate (SGR), Relative Growth Rate

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(RGR) and Mean Growth Rate (MGR) are Indices such as length weight relationship and computed by different methods (23, 24, 25 and Fulton’s condition factors were estimated 26) as follows: using the appropriate formula (27 and 28) as

( ) earlier described (22) as follows:

( ) which is transformed as . And the Fulton’s Condition Factor is

( ) given as;

( ) ( ) where W = Weight in gram, L = length in Where Wf is final weight (g), Wi is initial (cm), a = a constant being the initial growth weight (g), t is time (days), and Ln is natural index, and b = growth coefficient. K is the logarithm. condition factor.

Figure 2: Histogram and normal curves of all variables studied

Data Preparation and Statistical Analyses However, some mortalities were recorded as Exploratory statistical analysis was the study progresses and only 261 fishes conducted to investigate the spread of the survived when measurements commenced. measured variables and computed indices, and Preliminary exploratory analyses were test for normality of the data (Figure 2). There done to check data validity, assess for outlier was an initial total of 281 fingerlings values and test for normality. After the test of comprising 150 pure Clarias and 131 hybrids. normality, all outliers numbering 21 across

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Abanikannda et al both lines were excluded from the data to be statistical model used in the final analyses is analyzed and removed from further analysis given as; (Figure 3). In the final analysis, after studying the fish growth for twenty-one days, a total of Where is the observed value of parameter 224 fish were studied comprising 108 pure on a particular fish; Clarias and 116 hybrids. is the overall mean The General Linear Models of ANOVA th is the i effect of specie (i = pure, was used to test for differences between pure hybrid) Clarias and hybrid for the three measurements th is the j effect of tank (j = large, studied (weight, total length and standard small) length) and the computed indices (length- is the interaction effect of weight relationship, condition factor, absolute, specie x tank; and specific, relative and mean growth rates). The is residual random error

Figure 3: Boxplots of all variables studied

Results and Discussion plot revealed that some of the fishes had Initial Measurements outlier weights within each fish species and At the commencement of the experiment, those outliers were excluded from the data. In there were 281 fishes comprising 150 Pure all a total of 41 fishes were excluded Clarias and 131 Hybrids. The exploratory box comprising 27 pure Clarias and 14 hybrids,

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Abanikannda et al leaving 240 records with 123 pure breed and body weight of pure breed was 6.39±.25 and 117 hybrids for analyses. that of hybrid was 10.61±.50 (Table 2). The Body weight (g): The mean for the pre- hybrid at this stage was about 66 percent experimental body weight across both fish heavier (Table 4) than the pure breed and this species was 4.09±.13g while body weight was difference was highly significant (P<0.05) at 4.04±.16g for pure breed and 4.15±.21g for the this stage, which corroborates the findings of hybrid (Table 2). A one-way analysis of (29). variance for the effect of specie on initial body Total Length (cm): The combined average of weight was not significant (P>0.05) at the total length across the two species was commencement of the experiment. The hybrid 9.99±.13 while total length was 9.05±.13 and in the study had the higher mean body weight, 10.88±.18 respectively for the pure breed and but it was not large enough to be statistically hybrid (Table 2). The hybrid had significantly significant (P˃0.05). Tank exerted the largest (P<0.05) higher values than the pure breed influence followed by specie (Table 4), and (Table 4) which was about 20 percent longer. this contrasts earlier findings (12, 29 and 30) This observation is in line with reports of (29) who all reported otherwise. and can be adduced to the longer caudal fin Total Length (cm): Mean for the pre- length of the hybrid. experimental total length across both fish Standard Length (cm): Although standard species was 9.08±.13 while total length was length of pure breed was 7.99±.11 and 8.04±.12 for pure breed and 10.08±.18 for 9.44±.16 for hybrid (Table 2), which translates hybrid (Table 2). All factors studied exerted to the hybrid been 18.15 percent longer than significant (P<0.05) influence on total length pure breed. This difference is not as (Table 4). This result aligns with (12) but pronounced as recorded in total length above, contradicted the findings of (29), who reported albeit statistically (P<0.05) significant (Table no significant difference in total length due to 4). This observation however, contradicted the differences in species. findings of (29).

Standard Length (cm): Pre-experimental Final Measurements standard length mean across both fish species At the end of experimentation at 21st day, was 8.04±.11 while standard length of pure measurements were taken on each fish and breed was 7.22±.11 and 8.82±.16 for hybrid recorded accordingly, mean values are as given (Table 2). There was significant (P<0.05) below; effects of all variables studied on standard Body weight (g): The overall mean of body length (Table 4) which corroborated the earlier weight across both species was 11.68±.40 report (31), but however contradicted the while hybrid was 38.5 percent heavier than findings of (29) who reported that specie was pure Clarias (Table 2). The difference in body not a source of significance on standard length weight due to specie was a significant (P<0.05) in their work. source of variation, along with tank and interaction of both factors (Table 4) and this Second Measurements agrees with findings of (12 and 29). Further measurements were taken on the Total Length (cm): The significant (P<0.05) fish at the 14th day of experimentation where difference due to specie and other factors the following parameters were taken: (Table 4) observed in this study contrasts the Body Weight (g): Overall average body findings of (12 and 29), who reported weight of both fish species was 8.55±.31 while otherwise, but confirms the work of (31). It

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Abanikannda et al was observed that hybrid were 15.24 percent Specific Growth rate (%): Hybrid was 23.5 heavier than pure Clarias (Table 2). percent better in this parameter when Standard Length (cm): The overall mean compared to pure Clarias, while the overall standard length at the end of experiment was mean across species was 6.31±.09 (Table 3). 9.840±.12, with the hybrid been 12.73 percent Specific Growth Rate was significantly (P˂ longer than pure Clarias (Table 2). Specie, 0.05) influenced by all factors studied (Table along with tank and their interactions exerted 5) which further confirms earlier works (12 statistically significant (P<0.05) influence on and 13), but contradicted other report (17). standard length (Table 4). This observation is Mean Growth Rate (%): The overall mean in agreement with (31) but contradicted other growth rate across species was 5.71±.06 and findings (12 and 29). the hybrids had 20.3 percent higher values than Computed Indices: The effect of factors pure Clarias (Table 3). Tank, specie and studied was investigated on the computed interaction of both factors all exerted indices to assess how the model best explains significant (P<0.05) impact on this parameter the differences in observed values. (Table 5). This observation supported earlier Condition Factor (K): The overall mean for work on growth performance of Clarias Fulton’s condition factor across both fish gariepinus and its hybrids in earthen ponds species was 1.16±.01, and pure Clarias was (12, 32, 33 and 34). almost 10 percent superior in wellness of the Relative Growth Rate (%): With the fish compared to the hybrids (Table 3). This exception of the interaction of tank and specie superiority of Clarias over hybrid in condition which was not significant (P>0.05) on this factor can be adduced to the shorter length of parameter, the other two factors exerted Clarias compared to the hybrid. Condition significant (P<0.05) influence on relative factor was significantly influenced by specie growth rate (Table 5). Overall mean values and other factors studied (Table 5) and this is across species was 199.99±5.02 while the in consonance with earlier reports (12, 30 and hybrid had 35.3 percent higher values than 32). Clarias (Table 3). This observation aligns with Absolute Growth Rate (g/day): The overall earlier reports (30 and 34). mean absolute growth rate across species was Length-Weight Relationship: Although this 0.44±.02 with the hybrid been 58.8 percent parameter indicated negative allometry in both superior to pure Clarias (Table 3). All factors species (Table 6), it indicated that the model studied exerted significant (P<0.05) influence better predicted the hybrid than the pure on this parameter (Table 5) and it indicated Clarias and also had better coefficient. The that the hybrid are better feed converter, and regression coefficient was highly significant gain faster than the pure Clarias, an (P<0.01) in both species but the result revealed observation that corroborated earlier reports that weight of hybrid is better predicted by its (12, 33 and 34) while they worked on growth length compared to pure clarias. This result is performance of Clarias gariepinus and its in line with earlier report (35) in their study on hybrids in earthen ponds. the growth patterns of dominant pure breeds and hybrids of the African catfish.

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Table 3: Mean ± Standard Error of Computed Indices at end of experiment Variable N Mean ± SE Condition Factor (K) Hybrid 116 b 1.12±.01 Pure breed 108 a 1.23±.02 Combined 224 1.16±.01 Absolute Growth Rate (g/day) Hybrid 116 a 0.54±.03 Pure breed 108 b 0.34±.01 Combined 224 0.44±.02 Specific Growth Rate (%) Hybrid 116 a 6.94±.07 Pure breed 108 b 5.62±.14 Combined 224 6.31±.09 Mean Growth Rate (%) Hybrid 116 a 6.22±.05 Pure breed 108 b 5.17±.10 Combined 224 5.71±.06 Relative Growth Rate (%) Hybrid 116 a 228.77±4.61 Pure breed 108 b 169.07±8.18 Combined 224 199.99±5.02 Means with different superscript are significantly different (P<0.05)

Table 4: Analysis of Variance for Measured Variables MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS MS Source Df (WT0) (TL0) (SL0) (WT1) (TL1) (SL1) (WT2) (TL2) (SL2) Tank 1 579.073 393.073 305.953 2235.913 428.073 304.493 2909.073 461.313 361.063 Type 1 9.921 145.653 82.563 547.013 105.993 64.683 199.583 45.133 18.113 Tank x Type 1 5.100 17.373 16.963 210.233 16.473 8.182 308.13 18.173 12.112 Error 236 1.72 1.04 0.90 9.12 1.20 0.93 18.30 1.62 1.21 R2 (%) 58.99 72.92 69.07 61.97 69.49 66.68 48.63 63.50 62.16 0= P>.05 1 = P<.05 2 = P<.01 3 = P<.001

Table 5: Analysis of Variance for Computed Indices

Source Df MS (CF) MS (AGR) MS (SGR) MS (MGR) MS (RGR) Tank 1 1.023 3.293 103.843 56.343 3052283 Type 1 0.393 1.003 128.353 77.893 2859423 Tank x Type 1 0.122 0.833 5.672 4.633 58340 Error 236 0.02 0.03 0.78 0.35 3386 R2 (%) 32.17 48.59 54.73 61.52 40.74 0= P>0.05 1 = P<0.05 2 = P<0.01 3 = P<0.001

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Table 6: Coefficients for Length – Weight Relationship (LWR)

Type Intercept (a) Slope (b) Eta Squared (r2) Clarias -1.36 32.42 0.91 Hybrid -1.77 32.82 0.96 Combined -1.56 32.62 0.94 3 = P<0.001

Table 7: Correlations amongst Computed Indices CF AGR SGR MGR AGR -0.248*** SGR 0.080ns -0.017 ns MGR 0.073 ns 0.019 ns 0.996*** RGR 0.095 ns -0.086 ns 0.983*** 0.962*** ns = P>0.05 *** = P<0.001

Correlations amongst computed indices: parameters except for condition factor The strongest direct relationship was between where the pure Clarias had higher values. specific growth rate and mean growth rate on iii. Length weight relationship in both breeds one hand and specific growth rate and relative though negative (b<3) but were close to growth rate on the other hand (Table 7). There the cube law, with the hybrid having was also a strong positive correlation between coefficient higher than the pure Clarias. mean growth rate and relative growth rate, iv. Hybrid has potentials as better feed while the least significant correlation was converters, more efficient in feed between absolute growth rate and condition factor. The values obtained in this study is at utilization, and are thus recommended for variance with another research earlier reported better yield and higher profit. (13). v. The study provides a veritable platform for further research on the potentials of Conclusions and Applications interspecific hybridization within the Based on the results of this study the following African catfishes. conclusions can be drawn concerning the effect of species on both the measured and Acknowledgements computed variables in this study. The authors wish to appreciate the i. With the exception of Standard Length at assistance of the following research students the final measurement, all factors studied who tremendously assisted during (specie, tank and their interactions) were measurements and data collection: Michael significant (P<0.05) on all measurements Hedonukun, Sherifat Adebambo, Boluwatife and indices albeit at varying probabilities. Akinbode, Anselm Esso and Faidat Olukoya. ii. Differences due to species highly significantly (P<0.01) impacted all References 1. UNDP (United Nation Development measured variables and computed indices Programme) 2018. Human Development indicating the superiority of the hybrids Report 2014: Sustaining Humans over the pure breed in almost all growth Progress. 40pp.

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2. Akinrotimi, O. A., Abu, O. M. and Biotechnology 13: 248-251. Aranyo, A. A. (2011). Environmental 11. Solomon, S. G., Okomoda, V. T. and Friendly Aquaculture Key to Sustainable Aladi, S. L. (2015). Fish Fauna in Lower Fish Farming Development in Nigeria. River Niger at Idah in Kogi State. Journal Continental Journal of Fisheries and of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Aquatic Science. 5:17-31. 4: 34-37. 3. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) 12. Aluko, P. O. and Ali, M.H. (2001). 2017. The State of Food Security and Production of Eight Types of Fast Nutrition in the world. FAO Fisheries Growing Intergeneric Hybrids from Four Report No 733. FAO, Rome. 46pp. Clariid Specie. Journal of Aquaculture in 4. FDF (Federal Department of Fisheries) Tropic. 16:139-147. (2008). Fisheries Statistics of Nigeria, 13. Legendre, M., Teugels, G. G., Cauty, C. Fourth Edition (1995-2007), 48. and Jalabert, B. (1992). A Comparative 5. Adewunmi, A. A. and Olaleye, V. F. Study on Morphology, Growth Rate and (2010). Catfish culture in Nigeria: Reproduction of Clarias gariepinus Progress, Prospects and Problems. (Burchell, 1822), Heterobranchus African Journal of Agricultural Research. longitilis (Valenciennes, 1840) and their 6:1281-1285. reciprocal hybrids (Pisces, claridae). 6. Aluko, P. O., Wonu, D. O. and Aremu, A. Journal of Fish Biology. 40: 59-79. (2003). Development of triploid breeding 14. Burchell, S. (1822). Introduction of the live in Heterobranchus bidorsalis and African catfish Clarias gariepinus into Clarias gariepinus hybrid used in southern Brazil. Biological Invasion 8: Aquaculture. Nigerian Journal of 677-681. Fisheries. 1:1-5. 15. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, E. 1809. Poissons 7. Anetekhai, M. A., Akin-Oriola, G. A., du Nil, de la mer Rouge et de la Aderinola, O. J. and Akintola, S. C. Méditerranée. In: Description de (2004). Steps ahead for Aquaculture l’Egypte,. Histoire Naturelle. (1809-30) Development in Sub-Saharan Africa – the (ed.), : 1-52. case of Nigeria. Aquaculture Journal 239 16. Omitoyin, B.O. (2007). Introduction to (1): 237-248. Fish Farming in Nigeria. Published by 8. Charo, H. and Oirere, W. (2000). River University of Ibadan Press, Ibadan, based artificial propagation of the African Nigeria. 1-5pp. Catfish, Clarias gariepinus: An option for 17. Madu, C. T. and Aluko, P. O. (1999). the small fish farmer. International Hybrid Mud Catfish production: Journal for Living Aquatic Resources Comparative Growth and Survival of Management. 2(1): 14-16. Hybrids and Putative Parents. Proceeding 9. Torrissen, O., Rolf, E. O., Reidar, T., Gro of the 12th Annual Conference of the Ingurin, H., Albert, G. J., Ronald, W. and Biotechnology Society of Nigeria. Pp 89- Santosh, C. (2011). Atlantic Salmon 94. (salmo solar): The “Super-Chicken” of 18. Almazan, R. P., Schrama, J. W. and the sea. Reviews in Fisheries Science. 19 Verreth, J. A. J. (2004). Behavioral (3): 257-278. responses under different Feeding 10. Adah, P. M., Onyia, L. U. and Obande, R. Methods and Light Regimes of the A. (2014). Fish Hybridization in some African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) catfishes: A Review. Journal of Juveniles. Journal of Aquaculture. 231 (1-

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