Effects of salinity on growth and survival of African sharptooth catfish (clarias gariepinus) larvae

Abstract

Growth and survival of replicate batches of African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) larvae were monitored in 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 ppt salinity. No significant differences in mortality or growth rate were evident between 0 and 5 ppt salinity. At 7.5 ppt mortality rate was higher and larval growth rate declined in comparison to the lower salinities. At 10 ppt all larvae died within 48 hours. The condition factor of the larvae similar between 0–2.5 ppt and displayed a declining trend between 2.5–7.5 ppt. Osmoconcentratkm of blood plasma of C. gariepinus in fresh water was 280 ± 20 mOsm/kg which is equivalent to 9.5 ppt salinity. It was concluded that 0–2.5 ppt is the optimal sclinity range for larval rearing and that short-term exposure to higher salinities (2.5–7.5 ppt) could be effective in the treatment of ectoparasitic diseases.