9.2.1.1.3 Clarias gariepinus

9.2.1.1.3 Clarias gariepinus

African catfish C. gariepinus has been introduced in India in a big way but growing interest in culture of this exotic catfish is a serious concern in view of its devastating impact on the natural stocks of other species. Studies on the biology of this exotic catfish has constructed popular belief that African catfish is a ferocious predator. The African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) was introduced into Thailand and Vietnam and is used for hybridizing with the indigenous, walking catfish C. macrocephalus (Gunther) in Thailand. The hybrid is cultured extensively and is preferred by farmers in Thailand, because of its considerably higher growth rate than that of the indigenous species and the desirable flesh quality. The production of hybrid catfish, based on available FAO statistics (FAO 2002), occurs exclusively in Thailand and in recent years has accounted for greater than 17% of the world’s catfish production (FAO 2002).

Last modified: Thursday, 1 December 2011, 12:57 AM