Relationship between incubation densities and the hatching rate of eggs of Catfish (clarias gariepins)

Abstract

The Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is a species of much importance in aquaculture. It is a good candidate with desired characteristics like high tolerance to poor water quality, fast growth and prolific spawning. However, hatching success of catfish eggs in hatcheries is still low (45% to 75%). Various factors that affect hatch rates have been studied but little improvement has been achieved. In this study, the effect of incubation density of eggs was studied in a replicated experiment. Three incubation settings were used; low, medium and high. Changes in water quality parameters pH, D.O., and temperature were also considered at different incubation densities. The hatch rates were highest at low density, followed by medium and lowest at high density. Analysis showed a significant difference in hatch rates between low and high, medium and high (P < 0.05) but no significant difference between low and medium densities (P > 0.05). Water quality parameters especially dissolved oxygen had significant effect on the hatch rates of eggs at high incubation densities. The results provides knowledge against which farmers can make wise decisions of what incubation density of eggs to use and the required range of water quality parameters.