Comparative Performance of African Catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ) Fed Artificial and Live Feeds

A feeding trial was conducted on Clarias gariepinus larvae using two diets: decapsulated Artemia, and special formulated feed. After the absorption of yoke, the fish larvae were randomly distributed into six plastic tanks at a density of 200 fish per tank, using a completely randomized design. Each treatment which comprised of fish fed with live and artificial feed was carried out in triplicates. Survival was higher in fish fed with special formulated starter diet than the fish fed Artemia. Growth rate, specific growth rate and final weight were higher in fish fed Artemia, than the formulated fish feed. The percentage survival was higher in larvae fish fed with special feed than Artemia. Moreover, in terms of nutrient utilization between the two feeds, special feed had a better feed conversion ratio of 1.33, while Artemia had 1.87. It is concluded based on the findings from this work that special formulated feed is suitable in first feeding of C. gariepinus larvae. Key words: Aquaculture; Catfish, Fish larvae; Hatchery management; live feeds