Comparative studies on reproductive parameters of parents and hybrids of Clarias gariepinus (African mud catfish)

This study investigates the reproductive parameters of Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) with normal and snout mouth deformities under indoor hatchery conditions across three senatorial districts in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Fertilization, hatchability, and survival rates of offspring from 16 crossing combinations of parental strains were assessed. Results indicated that normal mouth Clarias gariepinus exhibited superior reproductive and survival outcomes compared to hybrids and deformed counterparts. Hatchability ranged between 4.29% and 8.82%, with the highest recorded in the cross of Ado normal mouth strains. Survival rates were consistently highest in normal mouth progeny across the 13-week study. These findings highlight the importance of selecting normal mouth Clarias gariepinus for aquaculture to enhance productivity and profitability.