Efficiency of biofloc system on the growth and survival of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings

Abstract

Scarcity of water remains a major restriction to fish culture operations in inland aquaculture. The present study reduced water usage in the larval rearing of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) by application of biofloc technology (BFT). A 60-day growth trial was conducted to evaluate the growth and survival of African catfish (C. gariepinus) fingerlings in biofloc culture system supplemented with different carbohydrates (molasses, rice bran, cornstarch). Complete randomized design was used with four treatments replicated four times. BFT based culture significantly increased survival (96-98%), weight gain (1101-1156%), specific growth rate (1.81- 1.83) of C. gariepinus, compared to the control or conventional culture system: 77%, 551%, 1.33 respectively (p<0.05). Lower feed conversion ratio was observed in BFT treated fish (1.25- 1.30) compared to control (1.36). BFT significantly reduced total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) while increasing total suspended solids (TSS). Biofloc culture supplemented with rice bran, molasses and cornstarch enhanced the growth and survival of C. gariepinus fingerlings while lowering TAN (0.13 -0.15 ppm) and increasing TSS (146- 506 ppm). Results suggest that biofloc system improved nutritional composition contributing to enhanced growth and survival rate of African catfish (C. gariepinus) fingerlings.