This study was carried out to investigate the growth response of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus in two different culture media in a fresh concrete pond. The growth and survival of catfish (C. gariepinus) was studied. The fish were feed at 25% of their body weight for 21 days. The weight of fish were taken, the changes in length and weight of the fish were measured and the feed fed to the fish were according adjusted to reflect the changes in weight. Temperature, dissolve oxygen and pH were measured in each pond. Specific growth rate and condition factor were also determined. the result indicates that fertilizing the culture medium using crude protein and poultry droppings improve the growth of C. gariepinus

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of The Study

Since the 1970’s the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus has been considered to be a fish of great promise for fish farming in Africa. Its growth rate is high, and it is very resistant and appreciated in a wide number of African countries. The development of a reliable method for the production of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings is one of the priorities of aqua culture research in Africa (Kelleher, 2001). Increased productivity of fry and fingerlings with attributes of faster growth rates and better environmental tolerance is a common factor in ensuring fish food in Africa.

The use of fertilizer is considered a viable low cost method of sustainable aquaculture production. The success of any aquaculture enterprise will depend greatly on the quality of the medium in which the fish is raised example, the concentration of natural and life micro organisms which constitute the first feed for the fry (Anetekha et al, 2005).

In tropical Africa and Nigeria, the use of Artemia increases the cost of fingerling production (Omitoyin, 2000). Natural live food organisms occupy aquatic and semi-aquatic media habitats. They range from minute zoo and phytoplankton to insect larvae (Ovie, 2001). They have the advantages of assured freshness, supply of high quality protein and provision of vitamins. They can be produced in large quantities with predictable quality using manures which are relatively cheap (Adeniyi, 2001).

Clarias gariepinus is widely cultivated in Nigeria. The fish is omnivorous and can thus feed on both zoo and phytoplanktons (Moses, 2008). The use of concrete pond is fast becoming well known and should be encouraged for home bred fish in Nigeria.

1.2 Aims/Objectives of the Study

To investigate the growth performance and survival of Clarias gariepinus fry raised in the fresh concrete pond in IMT botanical garden with the aim of recommending the best to our local fish farmers reducing cost and boosting fingerling production.

1.3 Statement of Problem

The main problem of Clarias gariepinus production and growth in fresh concrete ponds is the survival rate which is unreliable and varies between 0 – 30 fingerlings/m²/cycle. It has been suggested that the lack of appropriate feed and the presence of predators are likely the cause of mortality.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study on the growth and survival responses of catfish fingerlings (Clarias gariepinus) in IMT Botanical garden is undertaken to provide a basic for future comparative studies and also help our local fish farmers on how to sustain the production of fish seeds with high fertilization and survival rates, high growth rate, high disease resistance among other factors.

1.5 Limitations of the Study

Due to lack of fund, there are difficulty in the supply of water and feed for the fingerlings thus leading to high dependence on artificial feeding.