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HATCHABILITY OF EGGS OF DUTCH CLARIAS GARIEPINUS IN BOREHOLE WATER

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, commonly referred to as Dutch Clarias, is a significant aquaculture species due to its adaptability to various environmental conditions, including different water sources. Borehole water, often used in aquaculture, presents specific chemical and physical characteristics that may influence the hatching success of fish eggs.

The hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus. The successful large-scale cultivation of any organism for human consumption demands that the resources be easily renewable (Harvey and Hoar, 1979) it is clearly of no use of cultivate any organism when the supply of the young cannot be easily replenished. Among the numerous species of fish under cultivation in Nigeria notabily are common carp, cat fish (Clarias gariepinus)heterobranchus spand Tilapia sp.

The culture potential of Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus have been discussed by a number of authors among are Micha (1973) Legendre (1986) etc. The steadily growing importance of fishery product has compelled, improvements in the technologies necessary to boosting its production. Aquaculture production of Clarias gariepinus has been practiced for a long time in Africa. Increased productivity of fry and fingerlings with attributes of faster growth rates and better environmental tolerance is vital to ensuring fish food security in Africa. Fish culture today is hardly possible without the artificial propagation of fish seeds of preferred cultivable fish species. The need for the production of quality fish seed for stocking the fishponds and natural water bodies has increased steadily.

Artificial propagation methods constitute the major practical means of providing enough quality seed for rearing in a confined fish enclosure waters such as fishponds, reservoir and lakes (Charo and Oirere, 2000).

Apart from being able to obtain quality seed, the artificial breeding techniques can also be used to develop fishes superior to their ancestors by the methods of selective breeding and hybridization. The artificial breeding technique can achieve some times 65% or more of the eggs been raise to viable fingerlings compare to less than 1% survival rake on natural spawning. The issue in this artificial breeding is how to increase the productivity or the hatchability of eggs through quality or conducive water, pH and temperature management. The concept that every recipient water body has capacity to assimilate contaminants has been the basis for establishment of quality critical for aquatic life by different and national organization.

In other to ensure increased production of fry, (larva) and viable fingerlings. It is pertinent to evaluate factors that influences the hatchability of eggs.

These factors include:

Temperature: Temperature is an important factor that affects the ability of eggs to be hatched. Temperature according to graham S, H, and Mohammed F.A (1995) the major abiotic factor controlling the rate of morphogenesis in fish. According to these authors the hatching is possible between temperature range of 150C to 350C. They however noted that the hatchability improved around 300C.

Onyeleye (2006) also noted that at average temperature at 27.66%, hatchability is about 27.84% .

pH: pH is an important factor that affect the ability of eggs to be hatched, best pH for maximum hatching is 7.5 to 8.5. According to Ariole C.N. and Okpokwesili G.C. (2012) noted that average pH of 7.5 to 8.5 form best in hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus.

Oxygen: Maximum productivity requires adequate supply of oxygen. The oxygen dissolved in water must be enough to ensure high productivity and the viability of the fingerlings.

Light: Fishes are photophobic; therefore, they are sensitive to lights especially artificial light.

Water quality: This factor is the major thrust of this study. The quality viability of eggs.

The aim of this study is to determine the use future as of bore-hole water. In the hatchery of Clarias gariepinus.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the widespread use of borehole water in aquaculture, the specific effects of its chemical composition on the hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus eggs remain inadequately understood. Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing hatchery practices and ensuring sustainable fish production.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus eggs in borehole water. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of borehole water pH on the hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus eggs.

ii. To determine the influence of borehole water temperature on the hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus eggs.

iii. To find out the effect of borehole water dissolved oxygen levels on the hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus eggs.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the effect of borehole water pH on the hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus eggs?

ii. What is the influence of borehole water temperature on the hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus eggs?

iii. How does borehole water dissolved oxygen levels affect the hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus eggs?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it will provide valuable insights into the optimal conditions required for successful hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus eggs in borehole water. The findings will guide aquaculturists in improving hatchery management practices, thereby enhancing fish production efficiency.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on evaluating the hatchability of Dutch Clarias gariepinus eggs under controlled conditions using borehole water. It excludes other types of water sources and factors unrelated to the specified objectives.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

Limitations include the potential variability in borehole water quality, which may affect the generalizability of findings to all borehole water sources. Additionally, external environmental factors beyond controlled conditions may influence hatchability outcomes.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Hatchability: The ability of fish eggs to successfully hatch into viable larvae.

Borehole Water: Groundwater obtained from a drilled well.

Dutch Clarias gariepinus: A species of African catfish commonly used in aquaculture.