The case for the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822, Clariidae: a comparison of the relative merits of Tilapiine fishes, especially Oreochromis niloticus (L.) and C. gariepinus Burchell, for African aquaculture

Abstract

Abstract. The relative merits of tilapiine fishes, especially Oreochromis niloticus (L.) and Clarias gariepinus Burchell, are compared with respect to their suitability for aquaculture in Africa. Reproductive, nutritional and production data are drawn where possible from work carried out under African conditions. In view of the fact that African aquaculture is insignificant in terms of worldwide production and in terms of local fish consumption it is suggested that a broader view of species choice might be adopted in relation to aquaculture projects. The African catfish, by virtue of its suitable reproductive strategy, its nutritional efficiency and its ability to breath atmospheric oxygen, clearly represents an excellent candidate for aquaculture in Africa.