Optimization of the artificial reproduction technique in African catfish Clarias spp via a sustainable management of the male broodstock

Gestion optimale du stock de géniteurs mâles de silure en pisciculture

Abstract

The biological characteristics of Clarias spp. do not allow spontaneous reproduction
in captivity. Larvae are obtained through artificial reproduction which requires the
sacrifice of the male for milt collection. This study was conducted in Burkina Faso
and aimed to test surgery as an alternative to fish male sacrifice for milt collection.
Six (6) sexually mature males of 1.61 ± 0.69 kg were used. These fish males were:
anesthetized in clove solution, incised to remove one testicle and sutured with
absorbable suture. The post-surgical survival rate was 100% and total healing
occurred after 14 days. Only two out of six fish males had good quality milt that was
used to fertilize the eggs. Very high fertilization rates ranging from 78.4 to 91.3%
were obtained. These results show that surgery doesn’t interfere with the quality of
artificial reproduction. The practice of surgery in male Clarias spp. is a non-invasive
method which popularization among Burkinabè fish farmers would be very useful for
a sustainable management of broodstock.