Hatching and survival of African catfish eggs and larvae (Clarias gariepinus Lin.) exposed to different disinfectants during incubation

Abstract

This study presents results on the hatching and survival rates (%) of African catfish eggs and larvae (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to different disinfectants (T1 - Methylene blue, T2 - Water conditioner, T3-Salt) during incubation. The control (T4) which is water was utilized. Each treatment consisted of four replicates arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Water quality parameters such as, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, and nitrate were monitored during the tenure of the study. Results showed that highest hatching rate of eggs was observed from water conditioner treatment however, this was not significantly different from the other treatments (P>0.05). Lowest hatching rate was observed from eggs exposed to salt. Survival rate of larvae was also highest in water conditioner however, this was also not significantly different from other treatments (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that survival rates of catfish larvae were negatively correlated with all water quality parameters.