Egg Quality and Fecundity of Clarias gariepinus Broodstock Cultured at Different Water Depths in Indoor Concrete Tanks

Aims: To investigate the fecundity and egg quality of C. gariepinus broodstock raised at 0.50 m, 0.75 m and 1.0 m pond water depth. Study Design:  Treatments were assigned using complete randomized design. Place and Duration of Study: Fish Farm Complex of the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Nigeria. Methodology: Nine female broodstock of C. gariepinus averaging 2.51 – 2.53 kg and 64.30 – 67.24 cm were raised for six months at 0.50 m, 0.75 m and 1.0 m pond water depth; referred to as treatments A, B and C, respectively Experimental fish were fed 42% crude protein commercial feed. The fecundity, relative fecundity, gonadosomatic index (GSI), egg weight and size were assessed. Results: The results revealed that the egg quality significantly (P=.00) increased with the water depth of the broodstock culture tank. Egg weight and GSI values from treatment C (363.40±0.57 g and 14.40±0.01 %, respectively) were significantly (P = .007) higher than those of treatment A (267.30±0.06 g and 10.66± 0.06 %, respectively) but showed no significant difference with those of Treatment B (331.07±1.20; 13.09±0.04 %). The corresponding egg diameter (1.01±00; 1.08±0.03 and 1.21± 0.01g), fecundity and relative fecundity of broodstock also increased with pond water depth (P = .003): 182,120.0±503.67, 72.66±0.40 > 185,618.3± 745.98, 73.37±0.18 > 188, 967.1± 295.19, 74.89±0.18, respectively. Conclusion: The water depth of the broodstock maintenance pond enhances fecundity and egg quality; it is better at 1.0 m depth for successful fry production. Broodstock may be maintained at lower pond water depths for growth purposes; prior to breeding.