The propagation of catfish
The propagation of catfish production could be divided into two
(1) Hatchery
(2) Rearing to table size
This work will emphasize more on the Hatchery aspect because it is highly technical and requires lot of patience . Most farmers
fly away from this area under their works, we are going to consider the produce in catfish production starting from eggs till they
get to table size
FISH HATCHERY
Hatchery is a facility that cultivate fish and other aquatic species for conservation , research or commercial purposes
HATCHERY
Hatcheries plays a crucial role in supporting the aquaculture industry, replenishing wild fish populations and preserving
endangered species
Fish hatcheries typically involve several stages including
(a) Egg collection and incubation
(b) larva rearing
(c) Fry Rearing
(d) Fingerlings production
(e)Grow- out and harvesting
NB: Fish hatcheries contribute significantly to the global food supply , support sustainable and culture practices and aid in the
conservation of aquatic ecosystem
CATFISH PRODUCTION
Success in the catfish production starts from acquiring brood stock that are healthy and have good performance. Be sure of the
broodstock , acquiring the first thing is to wash sanitize and properly sun dry all the vats and equipment to be used for the
hatching so as to kill and reduce the bacterial load
* Be sure that the female fish to be used as eggs by gently pressing the abdomen for some few eggs to come out, return the female
fish in a separate bath large enough to contain the fish and pour water inside and cover.
HOW TWO IDENTIFY A MALE CATFISH
*BODY SHAPE: male fish have a more slender and elongated body shape compared to female
ANAL FIN : the male catfish is typically longer and more pointed than that of a female
GENITAL PAPILLA: male catfish have a genital papilla which is a small fleshy protrusion located near the anus this papilla is
usually longer and more prominent in male dining female.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A FEMALE CATFISH.
*BODY SHAPE: female fish tend to have a rounder more plump body shape compared to male
*ANAL VENT: the anal vent of a female fish is usually smaller and more around the than that of a male catfish
*GENITAL PAPILLA: female fish typically have a smaller less prominent genital papilla compared to male
*EGG SAC : in some species ,female fish develop an egg sac or a visible bulge near the anal vent when they are carrying eggs
FISH HORMONES
Artificial fish hormones includes
(1) ovulin: injection at the dosage of 0.5 - 1.0 ml per kg body weight
(2)Ovaprin : injection at a dosage of 0.5 - 1.0 ml per kg body weight
(3)ovatide: injection at a dosage of 0.5 - 1.0 ml per kg body weight
Natural fish hormones include
*PITUITARY GLAND: is a small pea sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain in fish including catfish it plays a crucial
role regulating various physiological processes including growth , development and reproduction.
HOW TO PRESERVE PITUITARY GLAND
*ICE: store the pituitary gland on eyes to slow down enzyme degradation
*SALINE SOLUTION: soak the pituitary gland in a saline solution 0.9% sodium chloride to maintain it's osmotic balance.
*REFRIGERATOR: study pituitary gland in a refrigerator at 4° C (37° f )to slow down bacterial growth
HCG- HUMAN CHRONIC GONADOTROPIN
This is found in the urine of a pregnant woman.
The context of preserving pituitary gland are spirit, alcohol and ethanol
HATCHERY MATERIALS
(1) spawning mop E.G colored mosquito net
( 2) Razor blade and sharp knife
(3) Syringe (2ml or 5ml) and needle
(4) cutter, scissors
(5)small glass or aluminum motar and pestle
(6) Table spoon and table salt
(7) Empty water bottle (1 or 1.5l) and Plastic funnel
(8)Tissue paper
(9) handkerchief or hand towel
(10)small deep plastic plate
(11) Plastic bucket
(12)4mm/3mm hose for siphoning
Types of egg in catfish
(1) dark gold
(2) green
(3)Golden brown
EXTRACTION OF MILT FROM MALE CAT FISH
With the eggs already stripped inside the bowl open up the male catfish at the at the abdominal region remove the vice ral . with
close observation you will see the two opposide severe the sac(milt) and wrap in a dry tissue paper milt contains the spermatozoa
which will be used to fertilize the egg inside the bowl with the assistance help pour saline Water slowly on the mixture and mix
thoroughly with a dry plastic spoon to effect fertilization
INCUBATION OF EGGS
With the VAT have filled with water place the mosquito net inside the VAT at the bottom supported with small stone at the side
spread the fertilized egg on the net and allowed to hatch at this time ensure the temperature and the amount of light entering the
hatchery is controlled in about 30 hours most of the eggs would have hatched into larva . Remove the net from the water
together with the unhatched eggs. Maintain a FLOW THROUGH SYSTEM of water this is a very critical stage of the larva because
any sudden change in temperature or pH will adversely affect the fish . observe the water closely if its appears foamy or Milky in
color it is an indication of water pollution also any unhatched eggs should be siphoned out from the VAT immediately using a
hose because the shell of the eggs are acidic in nature and will alter the pH of the water causing problems.
MANAGEMENT OF LARVA TILL JUVENILE STAGE.
Three days after hatching the larva will now turn to frys, commence feeding at this point with ARTEMIA until about 7 to 14 days.
Change their feet to copens 0.2 to 0.3 mm as the frys grow keep increasing the size of their feed so as to be able to meet up with
their energy requirement.
Intensive siphoning of dirts and dead fishes should be done regularly until about 2 to 3 weeks of age after then move the fry to a
prepared pond and allow them there to keep growing until they get to 6 weeks of their age( fingerings) continue with
management practice until 8 weeks of their age when they now become JUVENILE for better performance of the fish it is
advisable to change their water at least twice every week if they are not placed on floodary system.
THE STAGES OF CATFISH ARE
(1) EGG - LARVA = 1-3 WEEKS
(2) FRY = 4 WEEKS
(3) FINGERLINGS= 6 WEEKS
(4) JUVENILE= 8 WEEKS
(5) ADULT OR TABLE SIZE=6 -8 MONTHS
Good luck y'all
Courtesy : BAMIDELE 👋
