Embryonic and Larval Development of Reciprocal Crosses between Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) and Clarias jaensis (Boulenger, 1909) in West Cameroon

Establishing intraspecific breeding and hybridization programs and determining genetic variability are two important issues for aquaculture. However, interspecific hybridization to improve growth and feeding efficiency is limited. For this purpose, the embryonic and larval development of reciprocal crosses of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) and Clarias jaensis (Boulenger, 1909) were studied under laboratory conditions. The fertilization rate varied from 63.33% to 92%, while the hatching rate ranged from 55.68% to 76% with the highest value in hybrids ♀Cg × ♂Cj. Crosses between ♀Cj × ♂Cj, ♀Cg × ♂Cj and ♀Cj × ♂Cg had embryonic stages similar to those of the pure sib ♀Cg x ♂Cg. All crosses, however, had different timing for the various embryological stages. Hatching occurred at 32 h 15 min and 38 h for ♀Cj × ♂Cj and ♀Cj × ♂Cg, and 23 h and 23 h 30 min, respectively, for ♀Cg × ♂Cg and ♀Cg × ♂Cj. However, both crosses produced viable larvae until the first external feeding. The external morphological features of the larvae were completely formed by the 10th day after hatching. The body forms of the crosses at this time were indistinguishable from the pure sib. This study thus laid the groundwork for further comparative studies on hybrid performance and characterization.

Effect of the Dietary Substitution of Fish Meal with Achatina fulica Meat Meal on the Growth Performance and Production Cost of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings

Fishmeal is the most preferred source of protein in aquafeeds, but it is expensive and scarce. Hence, Achatina fulica meat meal (AFM), which is much less preferred for human consumption out of three species of African giant land snails, was tested as a fishmeal substitute for Clarias gariepinus growth. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-calorific diets were formulated, in which AFM substituted fish meal at 0% (control or Diet A), 25% (Diet B), 50% (Diet C), 75% (Diet D) and 100% (Diet E). These dietary treatments were each replicated thrice in a completely randomized design experiment, using 36-L plastic tanks in which the fish were fed daily rations corresponding to 5% of their body weight, for 8 weeks. Water quality parameters in the tanks were monitored. Proximate analyses were conducted on the fish meal, snail meal and experimental diets before the feeding trials. Cost-benefit analysis of the different diets was performed. The crude protein content of AFM (69.18%) was significantly higher than that of fish meal (55.81%). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the mean weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and survival rate in fish fed Diet A and Diet B. The best protein efficiency ratio (0.77) was recorded in fish fed Diet B. Furthermore, the survival rate of fish increased with increased levels of AFM substitution. Water quality parameters were within a suitable range for tropical fish culture, indicating that the AFM did not pollute the water. The fish fed 25% AFM diet significantly (P Clarias gariepinus diets at a 25% substitution level. The aquaculture industry can thus exploit the availability of this feed resource.

Fruit Powder of Tetrapleura tetraptera in Local Feed on Some Zootechnical Performances of Juveniles of Clarias gariepinus in Concrete Tank

This study focused on the supplementation of four-sided spice fruit powder (Tetrapleura tetraptera) on some zootechnical performances of juveniles of Clarias gariepinus and was carried out from February 14 to July 20 at the Massoma Fish Farm of Bojongo Mbeidi located in the Littoral Region, Department of Wouri, Douala IV district. The farm benefits from a climate favorable to aquaculture activity. For this purpose, five (5) treatments were tested including T0+ (imported feed), T0-, T0.3, T0.4, and T0.5 respectively for the treatments with 0% supplemented food;0.3%;0.4% and 0.5% of Tetrapleura tetraptera powder. A total of 450 Clarias gariepinus fry with an initial average weight of 7 ± 1.5 g, were distributed in happas of 0.49 m2 each placed in Triplicate in a completely randomized device. Four isoprotein foods with 38% crude protein were formulated to feed these fry at 7% of their biomass per day for 15 days then to their fullness until the end of the experiment. Intermediate fishing was carried out every fortnight. 75 days later, the results recorded show that the highest average survival rate (96.44% ± 3.5%) was recorded with the subjects fed feed supplemented with 0.4% T. tetraptera powder. The average weight (120.93 ± 67.20), weight gain (113.93 ± 67.20), specific growth rate (3.64 ± 0.79% g/d) and total lengths and standard (26.43 ± 1.9 and 23.66 ± 1.76) the highest were recorded with the T0+ treatment (imported feed). The highest conditioning factor K (2.14 ± 0.15) was recorded with the treatment supplemented with 0.4% T. tetraptera. The lowest conversion ratio (1.28) was recorded with the treatment fed with imported blue crown food (T0+). Furthermore, the lowest production cost was recorded with the treatment supplemented with 0.4% T. tetraptera. It appears from this study that the juveniles of C. gariepinus better value the feed substituted with 0.4% of the powder of four sides (Tetrapleura tetraptera).

Coupling Aquaculture—Crop Productions and Using of Water Drained from Ponds Rearing Clarias gariepinus as Fertilizer for Okra Production (Abelmoschus esculentus var. Clemson spineless, L. Moench)

The present study concerns the revalorization of drained water from aquaculture ponds rearing Clarias gariepinus on okra crops. The rearing was carried out at the farm of Gaston Berger University in 100 m2 ponds. In each pond, the individuals of C. garipinus with an average weight of 6 ± 0.3 g were stocked at a density of 11 per m2. The water temperature and pH were measured during the experiment. The control fishing is carried out every month to monitor variations in the weight and size of reared individuals. The plant production is carried out in elementary plots measuring 3 m × 1.5 m. Each plot was fertilized with either: drained water from C. gariepinus rearing (DWC), poultry droppings (PD), cow dung (CD) and mineral fertilizer (NPK). Treatments are carried out in tripliqua with either river water (RW), RW + the recommended dose of NPK (RD-NPK), RW + RD-PD, RW + RD-CD, DWC, DWC + 25% RD-NPK, DWC + 50% RD-NPK, DWC + 75% RD-NPK, DWC + 25% RD-PD, DWC + 50% RD-PD, DWC + 75% RD-PD, DWC + 25% RD-CD, DWC + 50% RD-CD, DWC + 75% RD-CD. Growth parameters and yield of okra were determined. The average temperature in the rearing environment was 27.6 ± 1.5˚C and pH 7.9 ± 1.1. After six (06) months of rearing, C. gariepinus individuals reached an average weight of 850.12 ± 1.3 g and an average height of 52.44 ± 1.1 cm. The daily weight gain and specific growth rates over this period were 3.9 g per day and 2.8% per day, respectively. The treatment T1 (RW + DR-NPK) gave the highest mean collar diameter and mean plant height with 2.3 ± 0.9 cm and 61.6 ± 32 cm, respectively. In T4 (DWC), the mean height of plants was 38.8 ± 23.5 cm and mean collar diameter 1.4 ± 0.8 cm. The growth performance in T4 was comparable to that of RD-CD (T3), but different from RD-NPK (T1) and RD-PD (T2). The highest average number, average weight, average length and average diameter of fruits were noted in treatments T13 (RW + RD-75%CD) and T7 (DWC + 75% RD-NPK). The best yields were noted in T1 (RW + RD-NPK) = 10.8 ± 5.4 t·ha−1, T5 (DWC + 25% RD-NPK) = 9.2 ± 4.6 t·ha−1 and T4 (DWC) = 8.6 ± 4.3 t·ha−1 which are comparable and higher than those obtained in T2 = 5.7 ± 2.8 t·ha−1 and T3 = 7.5 ± 3.8 t·ha−1.

Studies on Heavy Metals Levels in Hepatic Tissues of Cat Fishes(Clarias gariepinus)from River Ibi,Donga and Gindin-Dorowa in Taraba State Nigeria,in Relation to key Enzyme of heme Biosynthetic Pathway

Fishes are excellent markers of the extent of pollution from heavy metals in aquatic environments given that they are found at various levels of the food chain.This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals(Zn,Pb,Cd,As,and Hg)as well as the activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase(δ-ALA-D)in the livers of cat fishes(Clarias gariepinus)collected from three rivers(Donga,Ibi and Gindin-Dorowa)in Taraba State,Nigeria.The concentrations of heavy metals in the liver tissues were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer in accordance with the method of AOAC(2019),while theδ-ALA-D activity was assayed using the method of Sassa(1982).Results revealed that only Zn and As were present in the liver samples from the three rivers.Pb was found only in the liver from Gindin-Dorowa at the concentration of 0.0012mg/kg which is not significant(P<0.05)when compared with other locations,while Hg and Cd were absent in all the liver samples.The liver sample from Gindin-Dorowa had the highest concentration of Zn(4.2500 mg/kg),followed by Ibi(3.2067 mg/kg),and Donga having the least(2.5500 mg/kg),which were all substantially(P<0.05)different from one another.However,there was no significant(P<0.05)difference in the As composition of liver from Donga(0.0013 mg/kg),Ibi(0.0012 mg/kg)and Gindin-Dorowa(0.0010 mg/kg).The result ofδ-ALA-D activity showed that the highest enzymatic activity was found in the liver sample from Donga which has the least Zn and no Pb content,followed by Ibi sample.This validates the report that heavy metals impairδ-ALA-D activity.Nonetheless,the concentrations of all metals in fish livers from all regions do not exceed the acceptable limits set by international law,making them safe for human consumption and possibly not having a negative impact on public health.Since there is little or no industrial activity in the studied locations,these levels may be consequent to low anthropogenic inputs.The current situation should be safeguarded to prevent pollution of the river’s aquatic biota in the near future,and more appropriate steps should be made to guarantee higher fish quality and life in the rivers.

Investigation of heavy metals and lipid peroxidation level in the muscles of Clarias gariepinus from IBI,Gindin-Dorowa and D onga community rivers in Taraba State,Nigeria

Heavy metals have harmful effects on human health,and exposure to these metals has been increased by industrial and anthropogenic activities and modern industrialization.Heavy metals content of the liver tissues was determine d using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer method,while lipid peroxidation was carried out.Heavy metals analyzed include;lead(Pb),cadmium(Cd),zinc(Zn),Arsenic(As),and Mercury(Hg).The findings revealed that the heavy metal Zinc(Zn)has high concentrations in the muscles of the fish species,the concentration of this heavy metal Zinc is high in River Gindin Dorowa th a n in River Ibi and River Donga shows less concentration of this heavy metal though it’s above WHO permissible limits.Results revealed that only Zn and Cd were present in the muscle from the three rivers.Pb was found only in the liver from Gindin-Dorowa at the concentration of 0.017 mg/kg,which is not significant(P<0.05)when compared with other locations,while Hg and As were absent in all the muscle samples.The highest concentration of Zn was found in the muscle sample from Gindin-Dorowa(7.450 mg/kg)followed by Ibi(6.16 mg/kg)and the least being Donga(4.365 mg/kg)which are significantly(P<0.05)different from one another.However,there was no significant(P<0.05)difference among the Cd composition of muscle from Gindin-Dorowa(0.025 mg/kg),Donga(0.024 mg/kg)and Ibi(0.015 mg/kg),respectively.The TBA was found in the hepatic tissue sample from Gidin-Dorowa,which has the highest Zn,Cd and no Pb content,followed by Ibi and then the Donga sample.This suggests that there is a positive relationship between heavy metals and the effect of TBA on the hepatic tissues,justifying the fact that heavy metals affect the hepatic tissues of fish,while on the cerebral tissue.In conclusion,it revealed that there is a negative relation between heavy metals and the effect of TBA on the cerebral tissues to protect or save aquatic habitat s of fish quality and aquatic life.

Water Quality and Heavy Metal Monitoring in Water, Sediments, and Tissues of the African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) from the River Nile, Egypt

Water quality of the river Nile and trace elements of the water, sediments and fish tissues were investigated in the current work. Eighteen different sampling points were selected along the whole course of the River Nile from its spring at Aswan to its estuaries at Rosetta and Damietta. Higher mean value of conductivity, alkalinity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3), total solid (TS), sulphate (SO4), chloride (Cl), orthophosphate were recorded in the water of Damietta and Rosetta branches comparing to other sites. Also trace metals in the water, sediments and tissues of Clarias gariepinus increased significantly (P Fe > Cu > Pb > Mn > Cr> Cd > Hg. In the gill tissues theses metals were accumulated in the following order Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Cr > Cu > Cd> Hg. The low accumulation of metals in muscle may be due to lack of binding affinity of these metals with the proteins of muscle. This is particularly important because muscles contribute the greatest mass of the flesh that is consumed as food.

Effect of garlic peel on growth,hematological parameters and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in African catfish Clarias gariepinus(Bloch) fingerlings

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of dietary doses of garlic(Allium sativum L.) peel on the hematological and disease resistance of African catfish[Glorias gariepinus(C.gariepinus)] fingerlings against the infections caused by opportunistic bacterial pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila.Methods:Powdered garlic peel was incorporated into the diets at(0%,0.5%,1.0% and 1.5%) and fed to catfish fingerlings for 20 days.After the feeding trial,biochemical(serum total protein,albumin and globulin),hematological parameters(white blood cells and red blood cells) of the fish were examined.Fish were challenged with Aeromona hydrophila(A.hydrophila) after 20 days of post feeding and percentage mortalities were recorded up to 10 days after post challenge.Results:Enhanced serum protein,albumin and globulin in fish fed with all the dosages of garlic peel when compared to control group.Significantly highest red blood cell and white blood cell counts were recorded in garlic peel incorporated diet fed groups compared to control group.The results also demonstrate that low survival rate(55.5±11.0)%in control groups and significantly higher survival rates were recorded in all the garlic peel fed groups after challenging with A.hydrophila.However no significant impact was noticed with regard to body weight gain,specific growth rate and food conversion ratio of fish fed with different levels of garlic peel inclusion and control group.Conclusions:These results indicate that garlic peel enhances the hematological parameters even at a low level(0.5%) incorporation and makes C. gariepinus highly immunopotent and more resistant to infection by A.hydrophila.

Response of African Catfish, <i>Clarias gariepinus</i>(Burchell 1822), Fingerlings Fed Diets Containing Differently Timed Wet-Heat-Treated Sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i>) Seedmeal

The response of catfish fed differently timed wet-heat-treated sesame seedmeal was evaluated in the diet of Clarias gariepinus using growth performance, nutrient utilisation and apparent digesti-bility coefficient as indices. Three batches of sesame seed, which were cooked for 10, 20 and 30 minutes, dried, milled, and mechanically defatted using locally made screw press. Each of these differently processed seedmeals was included in the diet of African catfish at varying replacement levels, 15, 30 and 45% with soybean meal. There was good growth performance and nutrient uti-lization by Clarias gariepinus fed with differently timed wet-heat-treated sesame seed that was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from fish fed control diet. More so, the apparent digestibility coef-ficient for organic matter, protein, energy, lipid, fibre, carbohydrate in Clarias gariepinus fed with differently timed wet-heat-treated sesame seedmeal based diets in this study were comparable with the results obtained for fish fed control diets.

Comparative Study of the Growth and Gonad Development of Clarias gariepinus （Burchell 1822） Fed Diets with Plant and Animal-based Ingredients in Concrete Tanks

A twelve week experiment was conducted to compare the effects of diets with plant-based and animal-based ingredients on growth and gonad development of Clarias gariepinus. One hundred and 12 sub-adult C. gariepinus with an average weight of 205 ×5.09 g, were stocked in six concrete tanks （9 × 4 × 2 m3） containing 20 fish each. Experiment had 3 replicates and animals fed daily at 5% body weights. There was no significant difference （P 〈 0.05） in proximate compositions of the two experimental feeds and controls. Fecundity, gonad weight and gonasomatic index were higher in fish fed diet 13 than A and C. Similarly, growth indices were higher in fish fed diet B than in A and C. Histology of gonads showed a faster development of oocytes of eggs in fish fed animal-based ingredients than plant-based and combined plant and animal diets. Although there were slight differences in growth parameters and gonad development in favor of feed with animal-based ingredients, plant-based feed compared favorably in the growth and gonad development of C. gariepinus. Plant-based ingredients are recommended on the basis of affordability and availability as substitute for animal-based ingredients in C. gariepinus feed.

Effects of a low-radiotoxicity uranium salt(uranyl acetate) on biochemical and hematological parameters of the catfish,Clarias gariepinus

Specimens of Clarias gariepinus were treated with lethal(70,75,80,85,90,and 95 mg/L) and sub-lethal concentrations(8,12 and 16 mg/L) of uranyl acetate,a low-radiotoxicity uranium salt. The LC 50 value was registered as 81.45 mg/L. The protein and glycogen concentrations in liver and muscles were decreased in the fish exposed to sub-lethal concentrations. The red blood cell(RBC) and white blood cell(WBC) counts,haemoglobin(Hb) concentration and haematocrit(Hct) values were decreased. Different blood indices like mean corpuscular volume(MCV),mean corpuscular haemoglobin(MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration(MCHC) were negatively affected. Level of plasma glucose was elevated whereas protein was decreased. The level of calcium concentration(Ca) was declined in the blood of exposed fish whereas magnesium(Mg) remains unchanged. The activity level of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase(GPT) was elevated in exposed fish. These effects were more pronounced in the last period of exposure and in higher concentrations. Results of the present study indicate that uranyl acetate has adverse effects on C larias gariepinus and causes changes in the biochemical and hematological parameters of the fish.

The Community of Parasites Infecting <i>Clarias gariepinus</i>in the Tanzanian Waters: A Case of Lake Victoria

Quantitative variations in parasites were investigated with respect to sex and size of Clarias gariepinus, season and localities sampled. Parasitic infection in male and female fish was not significantly different;prevalence (Man-Whitney paired sample test, U = 135.5, p = 0.7697), mean intensity (U = 136, p = 0.7829). Based on Kruskal-Wallis test analysis, the prevalence and mean intensity of five parasite species varied significantly among the three localities sampled. Adult parasites in Clarias gariepinus showed high abundance during the dry season while the larval forms showed high abundance in the wet season. In most of the parasite species analyzed the abundance varied significantly with host size. The abundance of Dolops ranarum, Paracamallanus cyatopharynx and Eumasenia bangweulensis for instance, increased with fish size, while that of Diplostomum mashonense, Tylodelphys species, Astiotrema reniferum, piscicolid leeches and Monobothrioides woodlandi increased initially but decreased as fish length reached 31 - 40 cm. Total parasite burden increased in fish of 20 - 40 cm standard length. Generally, most parasites were highly overdispersed and the negative binomial model described their distribution.

Seasonal Variations in Serological Profiles and Growth Status of Farmed and Wild Clarias gariepinus （Burchell, 1822） Obtained from Asaba, Nigeria

Seasonal variations in serological profiles and growth status of farmed and wild Clarias gariepinus were investigated. Serological profiles of Clarias gariepinus can be an effective tool for proper monitoring of stress induced by management practices in intensive fish culture, which may elicit devastating effect on fish. Spectrophotometry procedures were used to analyze serum parameters of Clarias gariepinus. No different seasonal patterns were observed for mean values of albumin, total protein, urea, cholesterol, glucose and alanine amino-transferase. However, aspartate amino-transferase showed different seasonal pattern. Levels of cholesterol and alanine amino-transferase were highly significant in farmed and wild fish, separately. Juvenile fish had high level of urea irrespective of season. Seasonal variations in water quality parameters were observed except for pH which had no seasonal pattern. The growth exponential shows b-values between -0.048 and 7.434 for Clarias gariepinus. Adult female and juvenile fish from the wild had the highest b-value and the least b-value, separately. In this study, b-values were higher in the wild fish than the farmed fish. The condition factor for Clarias gariepinus ranged from 0.422 to 0.698, and was observed to be high in juvenile fish. With a condition factor less than 1, fish may not be doing well, probably due to environmental stress. Some serological parameters varied according to season and environment of fish. Thus, serological profile of fish is an effective and sensitive tool to monitor fish response to stress factors in the environment.

Some Physical and Chemical Properties of Clarias gariepinus Dried with Solar Dryers and Solar Tents in Sokoto, Nigeria

A research was conducted to assess the effects of three different drying techniques, namely open sun drying （OSD）, solar dryers （SD） and solar tent dryers （STD）. Data on physical characteristics such as weight, total length and standard length were recorded and proximate composition of the fish sample Clarias gariepinus （Burchell, 1822） was carried out before, during and after drying to assess changes on physical characteristics and nutrient composition at different level. After drying, the samples were subjected to storage for eight weeks. The result obtained shows that there was no significant （P 〉 0.01） difference in the drying weight of the fish samples between the direct SD and the STD. However, for the total and standard length there was significant （P 〈 0.01） difference in the drying techniques, but no significant difference （P 〉 0.05） in the drying period. There was no significant （P 〉 0.05） difference on the physical parameters, storage period, proximate composition of both direct SD and STD and the drying period, respectively. Therefore, direct SD can be substituted with the STD without altering the quality of the product.

Effect of MS （Methylated Spirit） as a Disinfectant and Antisticking Agent on Hatchability of C/arias gariepinus Eggs and Survival of the Hatchlings

African catfish Clarias gariepinus brood stocks were bred by normal induced breeding method, After fertilization, the eggs were treated with 0.40%, 0.50% and 0.60% concentration levels of MS （methylated spirit） and a control treatment without MS （0%）. The objective was to remove the stickiness of the egg outer vitelline membrane to improve hatchability and survival of the hatchlings. Two batches of the treatments were carried out according to treatment duration of 5 s and l0 s. The eggs hatched normally with the highest hatching percentage of 62.31% in eggs treated with 0.40% MS concentration in 5 s treatment and 61.92% in the same concentration for 10 s. The control treatment of 0.00% MS treatment gave the lowest hatchability of 49.69% at 5 s and 45.71% at 10 s exposure time. Growth performance of the hatchlings improved in eggs treated than those not treated. Those treated had higher weight gain and percentage specific growth rates than those not treated. Percentage survival ranged from 75% to 90 % in both treated and untreated groups. MS can therefore be safely used in fish hatchery to prevent egg stickiness to improve hatchability and larval development.

Impact of Stocking Density on the Polyculture of C/arias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus

Knowledge on stocking density enables the farmer decide on the density limits that will enhance fish yield when intuition and experience are used as guide. Twelve weeks experiment conducted in concrete tanks assessed the growth performance and survival rate at different stocking densities of test specimens. Data analysis revealed that the highest stocking density produced the highest （157.85 ±36.54a） mean weight gain for C. gariepinus. Mean weight gain for O. niloticus in the same tank as just mentioned, took the reverse order. Specific growth data recorded for C. gariepinus revealed an intermediate value at the highest （4.25 ±1.3ab） and lowest （4.23 ±1.2ab） stocking densities, while the highest value was recorded at the intermediate stocking density （4.41 ± 1.34a）. Data on performance index revealed significant differences between the lowest （339.24 ± 86.95b） and intermediate （397.07±103.81a） and also between the lowest （339.24 ± 86.95b） and the highest （397.81±113.14a） stocking densities. The lowest stocking density recorded the highest food conversion efficiency, while the least was recorded at the highest stocking density. Clarias gariepinus recorded 98.3% survival at the highest stocking density, whereas O. niloticus in the same tank recorded 70.83%. The authors therefore conclude that since the highest stocking density gave the best yield in most of the output parameters, it should be recommended to farmers.

Prevalence and Intensity of Helminth Parasites of African Catfish <i>Clarias gariepinus</i>in Lake Manzala, Egypt

The African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, is generally considered to be one of the most important tropical catfish species for aquaculture purposes. Parasitological investigation was performed in two hundred naturally collected fish samples during the period of February to December 2014. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites infecting C. gariepinus was investigated. A total of 249 helminth parasites belonging to four genera were recovered from 130 (65%) examined fish samples. They were digenea Orientocreadium batrachoides, cestode Polyonchobothrium clariae, and nematode Procamallanus laevionchus and Camallanus polypteri. Majority of the recorded parasites were found in the intestine. Female fish samples had higher prevalence rate 72 (90%) than males 58 (48.33%), and there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in infestation rate between the two sexes. The relationship of host size (weight/length) and parasite infection showed that there was no significant difference in the parasitic infection among three classes, although fish of larger sizes had more infections. In addition, this study determines the effect of fish age on the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites.

Physico-Chemical Evaluation and Hematological Responses in <i>Clarias gariepinus</i>(Burchell 1822) Juveniles Exposed to <i>Adenium obesum</i>Stem Bark Acute Bioassay

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the acute toxicity of aqueous extract of Adenium obesum stem bark in juveniles of Clarias gariepinus by assessing the hematological responses of the exposed groups compared to the control in a static non-renewal bioassay for 96 hours. The fishes (N = 180, mean weight and length 21.48 ± 3.32 g and 11.37 ± 1.23 cm) respectively were randomly distributed 10 (ten) fishes per group in triplicates constituting six experimental groups as follows;G1 (Control), G2 (6.5 mg/l), G3 (7.8 mg/l), G4 (8.5 mg/l), G5 (9.5 mg/l) and G6 (11.5 mg/l). Red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin concentration were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) as opposed to the significant (P < 0.05) increase in total white blood cell count (TWBC). Thus the study concludes that aqueous extract of Adenium obesum stem bark is toxic to erythrocytes while a converse adaptive response in the white blood cells.

Morphometric Indices and Enteroparasitic Infestation of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i>(Burchell, 1822) in a Tropical Reservoir

The study was carried out using 328 Clarias gariepinus specimens over a period of two years, from Oba reservoir (08&#176;3'N to 08&#176;12'N and 004&#176;6'E to 004&#176;12'E) Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. Standard methods were used to determine length-weight relationship, condition factor, and enteroparasitic infestation of the fish in the reservoir. Generally, Fish growth was positively allometric, while infested male and female fishes had negative allometric growth. The general well-being of the male fish was better than that of the female fish. Smaller sized fishes were better adapted to the ecological conditions of the reservoir than the bigger fishes. Parasites recovered were two Nematodes (Procamallanus laevionchus, Paracamallanus cyathopharynx), three Cestodes (Anomotaenia sp. Monobothrium sp., Polyonchobothrium clariae), and one Acanthocephalan (Neoechinorhynchus rutili). Sex ratio was 1.3:1 (male: female). Parasitic prevalence and intensity in the fish were sex and season dependent. The effect of enteroparasites in the life of infested C. gariepinus was found to probably be a major factor responsible for the low percentage of good fit to the line of regression (R2) in females. Infestation also led to loss of weight in infested fishes and this affected morphometric values in which body weight was an index.

Haematological and Hepatic Responses of the African Catfish Clarias gariepinus to Sublethal Exposure of Industrial Effluents from Ologe Lagoon Environs,Lagos,Nigeria

The present study is on the haematological and hepatic responses of the African catfish fingerlings Clarias gariepinus to sublethal toxicity of industrial effluents(IE)from the environment of Ologe Lagoon,Lagos,Nigeria.The fish were cultured in five concentrations of industrial effluents:0%(control),5%,15%,25%,and 35%.Trials were carried out in triplicates for twelve(12)weeks.The culture system was a static renewable bioassay and was carried out in the fisheries laboratory of the Lagos State University,Ojo-Lagos.Weekly physico-chemical parameters:Temperature(°C),pH,conductivity(ppm)and dissolved oxygen(DO in mg/L)were measured in each treatment tank.Haematological parameters:packed cell volume(PCV),red blood cells(RBC),white blood cell(WBC),neutrophil and lymphocytes etc.,and hepatological alterations were measured after 12 weeks.The physico-chemical parameters showed that the pH ranged from 7.82±0.25~8.07±0.02.DO ranged from 1.92±0.66~4.43±1.24 mg/L.The conductivity values increased with increase in concentration of I.E.While the temperature difference remained insignificant with mean value range between 26.08±2.14~26.38±2.28.The DO showed significant differences at p<0.05.Though survival was 100%during the sublethal study,haematological results showed that C.gariepinus had PCV ranging from 13.0±1.7~27.7±0.6,RBC ranged from 4.7±0.6~9.1±0.1,and neutrophil ranged from 26.7±4.6~61.0±1.0 amongst others.The highest values of these parameters were obtained in the control and lowest at 35%.While the reverse effects were observed for WBC and lymphocytes,the liver shows normal liver cells in the control(0%),but at higher toxic levels,there were:vacoulation,destruction of the hepatic parenchyma,tissue becoming eosinophilic(i.e.tending towards Carcinogenicity)and severe disruption of the hepatic cord architecture.This study therefore shows that disposal of effluents into the aquatic environment affects the health of fishes by impairing normal hepatic functions and hindering vital physiological processes if exposure continues for a long period of time(sublethal effect).