GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS (BURCHELL, 1822) REARED IN GLASS AQUARIA UNDER DIFFERENT LIGHT CONDITIONS

Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) reared in glass aquaria under different light conditions was studied from hatching to 75 days post hatching (dph). The objective was to generate baseline data/information on artificial seed production of catfish under different rearing conditions. Eggs of C. gariepinus were hatched at three photoperiods in complete darkness (DD), full illumination (LL) and control 12 h dark and 12 h light (normal) growth conditions. African catfish showed higher survival rates in the dark conditions than in the light conditions. The larvae also showed significantly increased cannibalistic behavior under light condition. Highest survival rate (92.8%) was observed for C. gariepinus that grew under darker condition. The higher activity of C. gariepinus under dark conditions resulted in reduced rates of cannibalism and higher rates of survival than light conditions. The sequence of development and ossification was faster in dark group by a day than in the light and by two days in the control group, whereas light group faster by a day compared to the control group. Some of the organ development and appearance completed within an hour gap and it was difficult to look sequential ontogeny on dark growth conditions. Dark growth conditions may be recommended as a best, effective technique for intensification of production of C. gariepinus, as it improves catfish survival rates.