Combined effects of photoperiod and temperature on growth and survival of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) larvae under laboratory conditions

Abstract

The effect of photoperiod (24L:00D, 12L:12D, and 00L:24D) and temperature (22 ± 1°C and 28 ± 1°C) on performance of Clarias gariepinus larvae was tested. Larvae weighing 3.2 ± 0.24 mg were cultured in aquaria at a stocking density of 20 fish L−1 and fed twice a day on catfish starter diet (40% CP) at 10 % BW day−1. Highest mean weight gain (31.00 mg), SGR (7.56% day−1), and survival (83%) were achieved at photoperiod and temperature combination of 00L:24D and 28 ± 1°C. Percent survival of larvae differed significantly (p < .05) among treatments with optimal survival of (83%) in treatment combination of 28 ± 1°C and 00L:24D, while lowest survival (40%) in treatment combination of 22 ± 1°C and 24L:00D.