Aquaculture in South-West Cameroon has evolved although not exponentially due to a qualified workforce. The problem of water quality in fish farms that could be associated with poor feeding and water quality management impacts the life of aquatic animals. Fish needs a healthy environment for its optimal growth and development (case study of Catfish). The objective of this studied was to determine the impact of water quality on the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus in some fish farms within Fako Division-South West Region of Cameroon. Material and methods: The method used in this research topic is descriptive, with 4 different localities, namely IRAD Batoke (A), Bakingili (B), Cornelius Fish Center (C) and Oumarou fish farm (D) Mile 2 Limbe. Collection of physicochemical and biological data was conducted from the period of March 8th to May 15th 2023 in Fako Division. Results: The results revealed highest mean temperature value (28.22±0.94ºC) in IRAD Batoke broodstocks tanks while Cornelius fish Center had the highest mean pH, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solid with values of 8.16±1.25; 0.84±0.35 ms/cm; and 0.38±1.8ppt in the broodstocks tanks and table fish tanks. The highest dissolved oxygen (<8mg/l); highest nitrite level (<0.025 mg/l) and highest Ammonium (<0.05 mg/l) were noted in three localities except the Bakingili locality. The physicochemical parameters of water had no negative impacts on the growth performance of this species. Conclusion: The results of physicochemical parameters such as water temperature, pH, and electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, NH4, NO2, O2 obtained during the study experienced a relative variation and were very suitable for the growth and development of Clarias gariepinus.
Author(s) Details:
Benjamin Nchegang
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Management, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at Yabassi, University of Douala P.O BOX 7236, Douala, Cameroon.
Tabe Maxwell Enow
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Management, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at Yabassi, University of Douala P.O BOX 7236, Douala, Cameroon.
Geneva Ojong Nkongho
Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Division of Fisheries and Animal Production, Nkolbisson, Yaoundé PO Box: 2123, Yaoundé- Cameroon.
Paul Vernyuy Tan
Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon.
Recent Global Research Developments in Water Quality’s Effect on Clarias gariepinus Growth
Effects of Water Exchange on Growth and Water Quality Parameters:
A study by Ajiboye et al. investigated the impact of water exchange on Clarias gariepinus growth and water quality [1] .
They stocked 225 C. gariepinus with a mean weight of 2.60 ± 0.01 g in three replicates.
Key findings:
pH levels were significantly higher in tanks with water exchange (T3).
Dissolved oxygen was lower in tanks without water exchange (T5).
Ammonia levels were higher in tanks without water exchange (T5).
Mean weight gain (MWG), specific growth rate (SGR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were better in tanks with water exchange (T1 and T2).
Food conversion ratio (FCR) was lower in tanks with water exchange (T1 and T2).
Effects of Water Level on Nutrient Utilization and Growth:
Another study investigated the impact of water level on nutrient utilization, growth, and survival of C. gariepinus [2] .
They stocked 225 C. gariepinus with a mean weight of 198.50 g.
Water level significantly influenced nutrient utilization and growth.
Effect of Water Renewal on Fingerling Growth:
A study focused on fingerlings and found that water renewal frequency affected growth performance and survival [3] .
Tanks with regular water renewal had better growth and survival.
Overall Conclusion:
Poor water quality can reduce the growth rate and survival of C. gariepinus [4] .
Monitoring water quality parameters is crucial for successful fish farming.
References
- Ajiboye, A. O., Awogbade, A. A., & Babalola, O. A. (2015). Effects of water exchange on water quality parameters, nutrient utilization and growth of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). International Journal of Livestock Production, 6(5), 57-60.
- Adebola, O. A., & Adetunji, Q. A. (2015). Effects of water level on growth, nutrient utilization and survival of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus. International Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 2(4), 109-112.
- Okomoda, V. T., Tiamiyu, L. O., & Iortim, M. (2016). The effect of water renewal on growth of fingerlings. Croatian Journal of Fisheries, 74(1), 25-29.
- Imam, T. S., Abdullahi, Z. D., & Sani, A. (2019). Effect of Different Water Qualities On Clarias Gariepinus. Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 1(2), 78-84.
