THE EFFECTS OF DENSITY, LIGHT AND SHELTER ON THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS-GARIEPINUS BURCHELL, 1822) FINGERLINGS

The effects of stocking density, light and shelter on the growth and s urvival of Clarias gariepinus fingerings was evaluated. In this experi ment African catfish with initial individual mean weight 0.79 +/- 0.1 g were reared at two different stocking densities-5 fish l(-1) and 10 fish l(-1) in either sheltered or unsheltered tanks with reduced and n ormal light condition. In all conditions growth rate was significantly affected by stocking density. The growth rate was significantly highe r at low densities and in reduced light conditions where shelter was p rovided. Survival rate was in excess of 79% in all treatments and was not affected by treatment. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.