Intensive Production of the African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings Using Local Materials in Recycled Water

This study was conducted with the aim of producing intensively and cheaply the fry of the African
catfish Clarias gariepinus at the Akak Essatolo Fish Farm in Ebolowa, South Region Cameroon. For
that, 10 broodstock of C. gariepinus, were used for the artificial reproduction. Pituitary extracts and
Ovaprim hormones were used to induce oocytes maturation on females. Eggs were obtained by
abdominal pressure of the female. Wicks (or Local raffia fibbers (Raphia regalis)) and mesh frame
were used as incubators of fertilized eggs. 12 experimental batches each consisting of 50 g of
fertilized eggs were spread in triplicates on both types of incubators previously arranged in closedcircuit
tanks. Fertilized eggs were enumerated by direct observation. At the end of the hatching (D0)
and of vitelline resorption (D3), larvae of each experimental lot were counted. The results obtained
indicate that: Similar (P=.05) absolute and relative fecundities used were recorded in all treatments.
Female eggs induced with pituitary extracts and incubated on raffia fibbers recorded lower (P˂.05)
fertilization and hatching rates. All other treatments were comparable (P=.05) for these parameters.
Deformed larvae rates were comparable (P=.05) for all treatments. Survival rates at the end of yolk
sac resorption (J3) were higher (> 70%) in all treatment. However treatment with Ovaprim and wick,
showed a survival rate (71.1%) significantly (P ˂ .05) lower than the other treatments (> 80); which
have otherwise remained comparable (P=.05). It was concluded that, the superiority of ovaprim at the
beginning of reproduction is offset by the poor survival rate, which is better with the pituitary gland.
Then, the use of the synthetic hormone is not economical for optimal production of C. gariepinus fry.
In the same way a mastery of the use of the raffia fibbers will improve the cost-effectiveness and
consequently will decrease the production costs.