CATFISH

FARMING IN
NIGERIA:
CULTURE SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTION AND
MANAGEMENT

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CATFISH NIGERIA
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Email: info@agrobusiness.biz

Phone: 09083199945

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PREAMBLES
DEFINITION OF TERMS
• SYSTEM: combination of related parts organized into a complex whole.
• POND is a water body usually surrounded by concrete, earthen or other
suitable materials or liners as walls. The functional parts of a pond are:
• INLET DEVICES
• OUTLET DEVICES
• POND BOTTOM
• POND WALLS OR EMBARKMENTS
• CONSTRUCTION is the act or manner of putting or fitting things together.
• MANAGEMENT is this coordination of both human and material resources for a
particular objective set before an organization.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN FISH FARMING

• Breeding of fingerling and juveniles.
• Production of table sized fish.
• Brood stock production
• Processing and Packaging of fish for local and export market
• Fish feed production, importation and feed additives blending.
• Sale of aquaculture equipment (hormones nets, water test kits etc)

Fish farming is the CONTROLLED rearing of aquatic organisms (these includes

fin, shell fish and aquatic plants in an artificial environment called PONDS.
It requires direct intervention in the target organism’s production.
Control exercised includes:
• Pond system/design
• Specie selection
• Stocking density
• Feeding regime
• Water quality management
• Disease control/treatment
• Marketing/sales

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FORMS OF FISH SUPPLY
Fish supply come from principally from four different sources viz:
• Industrial/trawl fisheries
• Artisanal fisheries
• Imported fish
• Fish farming
ADVANTAGES OF FISH FARMING OVER OTHER FORMS OF FISH SUPPLY
• It allows for sustainable fish production
• Fish growth in ponds can be monitored/ controlled.
• Only desired species of fish are cultured.
• It is environmentally friendly as such can be located in residential areas.
FISH CULTURE SYSTEMS
EXTENSIVE:
• In this system no control is exercised the fishes stock is allowed to forage on their
own. It is usually carried out in lakes, dams and large earthen ponds
SEMI INTENSIVE:
• Limited control is exercised e.g. stocking and periodic changing of water, feed
is usually a combination of formulated feeds and feed substitutes.
INTENSIVE SYSTEM:
• Under this system the entire production system is automated with water
exchange between ponds and filters going on continually, feeding is intensive
and usually formulated or extruded feeds.

TYPES OF PONDS
• EARTHEN PONDS
• CONCRETE PONDS
• MOBILE FISH POND SYSTEMS
• CAGE AND PEN CULTURE SYSTEMS

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EARTHEN PONDS

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 Earthen pond system is the oldest form of fish culture system in Nigeria. The
system involves the development of ponds in land with close proximity to a water body
or along the course of a gentle flowing stream or spring or the excavation (creation of a
cavity or void) of a marked portion of land where water level is close to the ground
surface. Recommended stocking density is between 10 and 40 juveniles/sqm

ADVANTAGES OF EARTHEN PONDS

• Cheaper construction costs.
• Lower fish production costs.
• Does not rely on electricity.
• Less skilled people are required to manage it.
• Depends on natural productivity (feed requirement is low.
• Risk of disease outbreak is very low

DISADVANTAGES OF EARTHEN PONDS

• Low stocking density
• Sorting of fish is very difficult thus predisposing the stock to
cannibalism, especially when culturing catfish.
• Low recovery rate unless advanced juveniles are stocked.
• Fish are more prone to predation/poaching.
• Low sales price as farm is located in rural areas
• Vulnerable to environmental pollution and other hazards.

CONCRETE PONDS
Concrete ponds are made of both vibrated hollow blocks filled with concrete mix or
with re-enforced concrete slabs. It can be of varying sizes and shapes. This production
system is common in urban cities particularly where land is not available or suitable for
earthen pond construction In this system water flows through the pond to refresh it and
allowed to run into the drains or suitable soak-away.

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 • This system is practicable where water is readily available in right quality
and quantity.
• It is easier to manage, affordable, productive and sustainable.
• In this system water is allowed to flow through the pond to refresh it and
instead of passing it back to the ponds it is allowed to run into the drains.
• Recommended stocking density is between 90 and 100/sqm

ADVANTAGES OF THE FLOW THROUGH SYSTEM

• Easy monitoring
• Operation is simple
• Sorting is easy
• 100 fish per sqm
• High output/ regular sales
• Control of predation is possible
• Much better farm security

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FEATURES OF THE FLOW THROUGH SYSTEM
• This system is practicable where water is readily available in right quality
and quantity.
• It is easier to manage, affordable, productive and sustainable.
• In this system water is allowed to flow through the pond to refresh it and
instead of passing it back to the ponds it is allowed to run into the drains.
• Recommended stocking density is between 90 and 100/sqm
ADVANTAGES OF THE FLOW THROUGH SYSTEM
• Easy monitoring
• Operation is simple
• Sorting is easy
• 100 fish per sqm
• High output/ regular sales
• Control of predation is possible
• Much better farm security

DISADVANTAGES OF THE FLOW THROUGH SYSTEM

• High volume of water is required to effectively run this system.
• Availability of a drainage system or soak away system is compulsory.

INTENSIVE OR RE-CIRCULATORY AQUACULTURE SYSTEM

• Re-circulating water systems are designed to minimize or reduce dependence on
water exchange and flushing in fish culture units.
• These systems have practical applications in commercial Production systems
hatcheries, holding tanks, and aquaria systems, as well as small-scale aquaculture
projects.

Water is typically re-circulated when there is a specific need to:

1. Minimize water replacement.
2. Maintain water quality conditions, which differ from the supply water.
3. Compensate for an insufficient water supply.

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This system helps to achieve the following
1) Aeration.
2) Removal of particulate matter.
3) Biological filtration to remove ammonia and nitrite.
4) Buffering of pH.

The features of this system are:

• Fish tanks
• Sedimentation tanks
• Chemical and biological filter tower.

FISH TANKS IN A RECIRCULATORY SYSTEM

SEDIMENTATION TANK
AERATION TOWER

PUMP TANK

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ADVANTAGES OF THE RECIRCULATORY SYSTEM
• 350 fish per sqm
• It maximizes land usage.
• It maximizes water usage.
• It’s less dependent on constant availability of water.
• High degrees of management control
• Products command better pricing as farm is usually locate in developed areas
• Fishes attain bigger sizes as all the parameters for good growth are optimized

DISADVANTAGES OF THE RE--CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

• Capital intensive.
• Continuous electric power supply is required.
• System break down may lead to high casualty.
• It’s complex nature requires skilled personnel to manage.
• High quality feed required

MOBILE FISH POND SYSTEMS

Farmers interested in fish farming and do not have land, or live in rented apartments
can use this system for fish culture. The system is made of wood or Plastics.
.WOODEN PONDS

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FLEX PONDS

PLASTIC PONDS

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Advantages of mobile systems
• It can be dismantled and transferred to another location
• Low construction/installation cost
• Monitoring is easy.
• Poaching is reduced as the system is mounted in owners residence
• Lower maintenance cost
Disadvantages of mobile systems
• Not as durable as the earlier mentioned systems
• Lower returns as few number of fish is stocked
• Fish stocked close to the owner may end up being consumed by owner or
for entertainments.
• Neighbors could unnecessarily get jealous especially where the owner does not
have exclusive use of the space the systems are installed.

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CAGE AND PEN CULTURE SYSTERM
This is a relatively new method of fish production, though something close to it is being
practised by the artisanal fishermen (a method called “ACADJA”). Cage and pen systems
are located in natural water bodies like streams, rivers and lagoon networks.

Diagram of cages and pens

HARVESTING FISH FROM CAGE AND PEN

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 PEN – A pen is a shallow water enclosure for the rearing of fish in open water
body the pen sits on the floor of the water body.
CAGE - A Cage on the other hand is also a net enclosure similar to pens but
usually suspended in a water body anchored on the natural water bed and kept
buoyant by floats for the purpose of fish culture.
Advantages of the cage and pen culture systems
• It does not depend on electricity as cages and pens are water based systems
• High stocking density
• Natural live foods are readily available for the cultured fish in addition to
artificial feed.
Disadvantages of the cage and pen culture systems
• Fish are more prone to poaching; serious community policing is required.
• Vulnerable to environmental pollution and other hazards.
• Conflicts in the use of water ways may arise.

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POND CONSTRUCTION
The first stage in pond construction is site selection, a relationship exist between the
cost of pond construction and the nature of the selected site.

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FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR SITE SELECTION

• SUITABLE TOPOGRAPHY
Suitable topography should be generally flat as land with steep topography will
require earth cutting which will increase cost of construction.
• SUITABLE SOIL PROFILE
Clay soil is suitable for the construction of concrete ponds as soil with loose soil
profile will require more reinforcements to stabilize ponds and this also affects
the cost of construction.
• ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY
The success of aquaculture projects depends on the supply of water in the right
quantity and quality. Geo-physical survey should be conducted to determine
the availability of water. Site with low water yield should be avoided.

The concrete pond can vary in shape and sizes depending on resources and available land
space. However it should not be smaller than 2MX3M and not larger than 8MX4M for
ease of management. A dept of between 1.2M and 1.5M is desirable to provide suitable
depth and cool water for the fish.
Materials required for a concrete fish pond includes cement, granite, sharp sand, iron rods
and plumbing materials

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CONSTRUCRION OF A MODULE OF 3 NOS 6MX4MX1M FISH
PONDS PEGGING AND EXCAVATION OF POND AREA

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SETTING IRON RODS TO REINFORCE POND WALLS

BLOCK SETTING AND DRAINAGE PIPE

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BLOCK SETTING AT SECOND COURSE

CONSTRUCTION OF “FLOW THROUGH” POND SYSTEM

It could be completely or partially buried in the soil or a surface pond
depending on the drainage pattern to be employed.

1. Dig the foundation according to specification and then the footing.

2. Lay one or two couches of block
3. Lay the pipes
4. Do the flooring
5. Set other blocks (about 5 course is ideal) and set iron reds on every
2 course of block
6. Fill block holes with concrete, fill two courses at once.
7. Reinforce with iron pillars at a space of 1m apart
8. Plaster the pond inside in a double wall pattern (use 1 bag of water
proof cement to a bag of cement)
9. Plaster outside
10. About 1.2m is ideal for pond height.
11. Net the pond on top to prevent predation
12. If your location is prone to flood, construct a complete reinforce
concrete pond, not the one with blocks.

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CONSTRUCTION OF RECIRCULATORY POND SYSTEM
Same as above plus some extra features basically:
1. Sedimentation Chamber – made of net or imported poly fiber or
gravel and fine sand
2. Biofilter – May contain plastics, polyfibres, empty crates, larva
stones, oyster shell, etc
3. Aeration chamber

PREPARATION OF CONCRETE POND FOR STOCKING

1. Flush the pond after washing
2. Fill with water
3. Acidify the pond with dry grass
4. Leave for 2 weeks
5. Drain the water, wash the pond and refill with water for another one
week
6. Drain and fill the third time.
7. Fertilize using either organic or inorganic fertilizer
8. Pond is now ready for use when water turns light green in color

PREPARATION OF OLD EARTHEN POND

1. Slash the pond embarkment
2. Desilt if need be
3. Liming depending on the pond pH.
4. Fertilize using inorganic or organic fertilizer
5. Pond ready for stocking when water turns light green in colour

PREPARATION OF NEW EARTHEN POND

1. Spreading of top soil or organic fertilizer
2. Lime
3. Fertilize
4. Pond ready for stocking when water turns light green in colour

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MANAGEMENT OF EARTHEN POND
1. Maintain a clean environment
2. Fence against predators
3. Stock juvenile fish to ensure high survival rate
4. Practice spot feeding
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 MANAGEMENT

• Management can be reactive or proactive

• Proactive infers that likely problems are taken care of to fore stall the
event happening.
• Reactive style infers that the event actually occurs before remedial action is taken.

FARM MANAGEMENT
1. System management
2. Personnel management
3. Production management

SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
EARTHEN PONDS
1. Weed the entire pond walls (dyke) to prevent snakes, rodents and other predators
from entering the ponds.
2. After each harvesting, check pond bottom and walls for burrows and signs
of erosion
3. Check monks and sluice gates for wear and tear.
4. De-silt pond bottom after harvesting operations.
5. Apply lime to pond bottom to re-condition it before the next stocking.

CONCRETE FLOW THROUGH AND RE-CIRCULATORY SYSTEMS

1. Check plumbing and fittings for signs of wear and tear or leakages.
2. Scrub pond walls to remove excess build up of algae.
3. Back flush sedimentary tanks and bio filter.
4. Retain water in ponds even after cropping. This will prevent cracking as a
result of exposure to harsh sunlight.
5. Check electrical systems, generators and pumps for optimal performance.

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MOBILE SYSTEMS
1. Check plastics for signs of abrasion and weakening
2. Check wood for rot
3. Clean system and disinfect

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
1. Engage professionals to design and construct ponds.
2. Recruit trained hands to work on farm.
3. Ensure your workers are highly motivated (good salary/incentives).
4. Send your staff for training or organise in-plant training for them.
5. If they live on farm provide basic conveniences for them.
6. Allow them time off from the farm

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FISH FARM MANAGEMENT
Note the definitions of the following

FISH FARM:- A collection of two or more fish ponds in the same location
under same ownership.

FISH POND:- An enclosure in which fish is cultured.
Fish farm management involves the duties that are necessary for the successful operation
of fish farms in a cost-effective manner. Fish farm management can be viewed from four
perspectives namely: (1) Infrastructure / pond management (2) Fish Management (3)
Personnel Management and (4) Financial Budgeting.

A. FISH FARM INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE

Infrastructures such as earthen pond(s) and block wall fish tanks must be maintained to
reduce high level of depreciation that can lead to water loss or fish losses.

Generally, the maintenance of earthen (dug-out) fish ponds are as follows;


General vegetation cleaning (Weekly)

Repairs of eroded dam slopes and crests

Re-grassing of eroded dams/dykes

Checking and repairs of monks, pipes and outfalls

Plugging of monkboards with clay or cloth stuffing.

Repairs of wire and bamboo fencing to deter predators

Manual raking of aquatic weeds and scum regularly.

B. PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF PREDATORS

Dug-out Ponds
Ponds should be neutralized with Agricultural lime at the rate of 2000kg/ha or quicklime
at the rate of 900 – 1120kg/ha.

The inlet and outlet water bearer structures should be properly screened.

The fish pond should be fenced with old nets or wire netting.

Bait or traps should be set for predators.

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 
Shooting is advisable to scare/eliminate predators.

Setting up of scare-crow structures to deter some predators is advisable.

FISH TANKS

Repair of damaged outlet pipes or control valves

Repair of top covering spread nets.

Repair of screens/partitions

Removal of scum on the surface of the tank’s pond water.

Repair of leakage around pipes/block wall joints.

Repair of inlet pipe works/shower spray systems.

PREDATOR REDUCTION
Cover with netting for block wall fish tanks. Provide wire fencing with bamboo pole
support for dug outs

C. WATER MANAGEMENT
Water is a vital source for fish life. It is the medium in which the fish lives. Therefore the
growth of any fish is directly related to the pond water medium, the feeding, and the
genetic potential of the fish.

SOURCES OF WATER FOR FISH FARMING:


Rivers, springs, swamps, Lagoon, borehole, dug wells etc.
DISTRIBUTION
Water for aquaculture purposes can be distributed mainly through drains, pipes, and gate
valves as inlets. The pipes are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) of various sizes and
connected to ponds, tanks etc.

CIRCULATION
Further distribution of water into any of the above-stated fish enclosure systems could be
through small pipes of diameter ranging from 1.62cm – 1.905cm.

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FLUSHING
Outlet pipes known as flush – through outlets are inserted in any of the fish enclosure
systems for easy drainage of effluent wastes during culture. Rearing systems may be
flushed out 3 – 4 times in a week especially in fish tanks to reduce sedimentation of
particles known as slurry.

D. WATER QUALITY
Water quality includes all the physical, chemical and biological factors that influence the
beneficial use of water.

CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER FOR AQUACULTURE

i. Should be fairly green in colour reflecting the presence of plankton.
ii. Must neither be too acidic nor alkaline. Best pH range of fish production is
between 6.5 - 8.5.
iii. Must contain enough dissolved oxygen of at least 5mg / litre.
iv. Must not be too turbid. The palm should be seen (visible) at 25-50cm water
level when dipped into the pond water.
v. Must not have offensive odour, colour, surface foaming or scumming.
vi. Must be free of pollutants such as oil, chemicals, detergents, heavy metals
(Zinc, Mg, Al etc).
0 0
vii. Water temperature range should be between 25 6c – 32 c.

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E. WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS

PARAMETERS OPTIMAL RANGES MEANS TO DETERMINE

0 0
Temperature (T ) 25 – 32 c Mercury Thermometer

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 5mg / litre Titration / Oxygen meter

H H
P 6.5 – 8.5 Litmus paper or P meter

Carbon dioxide CO2 Not more than 5mg/litre Titration or Meter

Ammonia (NH3) Not more than Titration, test kit.

0.05mg/litre

Nitrite (NO2) Not more than Titration, test kits.

0.30mg/litre

Nitrate (NO3) Not more than 50mg/litre Titration, test kits.

It is advisable that a farmer equips himself with water testing kits.

TRANSPARENCY
Transparency: is the degree to which one can see through the water colour. Can be
measured locally by using the arm or an instrument called the seechi disc. Transparency
of 25 – 50 cm reading is recommended.

LIMING AND FERTILIZATION

Liming conditions the soil and is part of the maintenance for ponds. It has a favourable
action on the health of the fish, on one hand and on the biological factors of production
on the other. Lime also destroys harmful insects in the water medium.

F. WHEN DOES A POND NEED LIME?

H
- When P is acidic i.e. too low
- When organic matter content is too high and there is danger of lack of oxygen.

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However, one has to investigate the pond bottom. This is achieved by sampling the pond
bottom.

TYPES OF LIMING MATERIALS

(1) Agricultural lime CaC03. (2) Quicklime Ca 0 (3) Hydrated Lime Ca(OH)2 (4) Basic
slag.

Before using lime proper analysis should be carried out on the pond bottom whether it is
actually necessary.

HOW TO APPLY LIME

There are three different methods. These include:

- Liming the pond water

- Liming the water flowing into the pond.
- Liming the pond bottom of a dried pond.
DOSAGES OF LIME TO APPLY

2000 – 5000kg / ha (Agricultural Lime)

750 – 1300 kg/ha (Hydrated Lime)

900 – 1120kg/ha (Quicklime).

The lime should be broadcast into water.

G. POND FERTILIZATION

This is to improve the natural productivity of a pond. It is achieved by improving the

quantity and quality of natural producers in the pond i.e. planktonic algae and
zooplankton.

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ADVANTAGES OF FERTILIZATION

Improves the growth of fish which feed on the invertebrates

Fertilization clears muddy pond by precipitating suspended oil colloids
- Fertilization stimulates the growth of microscopic water plants.
- Fertilization promotes the growth of small aquatic invertebrates (Zooplankton)
that serve as food for fish.

TYPES OF FERTILIZERS

There are two types of fertilizer: Inorganic and Organic. The inorganic fertilizers are
chemical in nature while organic manure are mainly of animal dung.

H. Organic fertilizer is cheap and readily available. The inorganic fertilizer is

more effective but costlier and may be scarce.
Inorganic fertilizer can be divided into two;
i. Complete fertilizer
ii. Incomplete fertilizer
Complete fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium monoxide. Incomplete
fertilizer contain only one or two of these elements. Examples of complete fertilizers are
NPK 13-13-13 and NPK 20-20-14 while incomplete fertilizers are single super phosphate
N (O), P (20), K (O), Triple super phosphate N (O), P (46), (K (O).

However the most commonly used inorganic fertilizer is phosphate fertilizers because
most ponds lack phosphorus.

APPLICATION RATES OF ORGANIC MANURE

These can be applied in tied polypropylene bags or pegged bamboo enclosures for release
into the pond medium.

500 – 1000kg/ha (cow dung)

500 – 2000kg/ha (Pig dung)

700 – 750kg/ha (poultry manure)

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APPLICATION RATES OF INORGANIC FERTILIZER

NPK fertilizers are applied at the rate of 225-230kg/ha.

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CULTURABLE FISH SPECIES

Fish lives in water with stream lined body and fins for swimming. It lives in different
types of water bodies and therefore subject of varying adaptations. Fishes are therefore
adapted to their different living places or biotopes.

AQUATIC BIOTOPES (LIVING PLACES) & FISHES

BIOTOPES ENVIRONMENT MAJOR FISH SPECIES

Marine Saltwater Sharks, Rays, Croakers, Bonga fish etc.

Estuarine Brackish water Catfishes, Tilapias, Chrysichthys etc.

Riverine Fresh water Mud fishes, Trunk fishes, Bony tongues etc.

CULTURABLE FISHES OF NIGERIA’S AQUACULTURE

The major culturable fishes of Nigeria’s Aquaculture practices include;

Catfishes such as Clarias Mud catfish (Aro, Aso), Heterobranchus bidorsalis,

Heterobranchus longifilis Mud catfish (Abori), Oreochromis niloticus (Epia),
Gymnarchus niloticus (Eja Osan), Heterotis niloticus (Aika), Cyprinus Carpio (Common
Carp), Channa Obscura (Snake head) etc.

Attributes expected of a culturable fish species are as follows;

(1) Rapid growth performance: A culturable fish must show rapid growth performance
qualities such that within a short culture period it can grow from fingerlings or juveniles
to table-size Adult, e.g. Clarias gariepinus that has a culturable period of 5 – 6 months.

FEED RESPONSIVENESS

A culturable fish must be responsive to formulated and compounded feed rations/diets

offered regularly within the fish culture period such that a reasonable fish feed
conversion ratio is observable.

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LOW MORTALITY

A culturable fish must have low mortality rate from the period of being stocked as
fingerlings / juveniles till the harvest period.

CULTURAL ACCEPTABILITY
A culturable fish must have high cultural acceptability such that it is valuable food fish
among the populace. E.g. Gymnarchus niloticus (Trunk fish) preferred as wedding /
engagement present in parts of South West Nigeria.

CONSUMER PREFERENCE
A culturable fish must be high on the preference category of fish consumers such that it
can always be sold as food fish e.g. Clarias gariepinus (Aso).

ARTIFICIALLY PROPAGATABLE

A cultivable fish must be convenient for artificial propagation or breeding such that its
fingerlings / juveniles can be readily made available for stocking fish ponds in fish
farming e.g. Clarias

ECONOMIC VIABILITY

A culturable fish must be economically viable for use as stocking material for fish
farming. The Return on Investment on the stocking of the fish should be sufficiently high
to sustain the interest of active farmers e.g. Clarias gariepinus.

The most well known cultural practice by the farmers is MONOCULTURE of Catfish
(Clarias sp). Monoculture implies culture of a single species of fish e.g. Clarias Culture,
Tilapia Culture.

Polyculture: implies culture of many species or more than one species in the same body
of water. Under this system, fish species that live in different ecological niches and have
different food habits such as;

Surface dwelling (Tilapia), mid-water dwelling (Heterotis) and bottom dwelling (Clarias
and Carp) can be grown together for increased yield.

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FEEDING

The farmer must ensure that well formulated and compounded feeds are used. Feedstuffs
used in the formulation and compounding of fish feeds must contain all essential
nutrients (Proteins, CHO2, Fats/Oils, Vitamins, Mineral Salts, Premixes etc). Species of
fish must be fed with feed containing appropriate crude protein content. Appropriate size
of feed must be administered to appropriate size of fish. Small fish require small pellet
size of feed to enable them digest and assimilate. Feeds and feedstuffs contain energy and
nutrients essential for the growth, reproduction and health of aquatic organisms.
Deficiencies or excesses can reduce growth or lead to diseases. To make money in
aquaculture, transforming feed to flesh must be done efficiently and economically.

STOCK MANAGEMENT ISSUES

11 11
1. Stock healthy fish fingerlings / juveniles. Fingerlings of 5 – 7cm (2 -3 )
11 11
and juveniles of 7 – 10cm 3 –4 are most advisable.
2. Stocking of fish must be carried out early mornings or late evenings when
weather will be moderately cool.
3. Avoid under-stocking and over-stocking of your fish enclosures to maximize
space and feed to be administered.
4. Fish stocked must not be fed immediately they are introduced to allow them to
acclimatize to the new environment and must be done slowly to avoid shock
due to temperature changes.
5. Stocked fish must be fed with the appropriate size, quality and quantity.
6. Avoid overfeeding and under feeding.
7. Stocked fingerlings must be sorted after 14 days (2 weeks) of initial stocking
to remove shooters in order to reduce cannibalism and ensure even growth of
fish.
8. Sorting could be done in the morning or evening when the weather is expected
to be cool.
9. Sorted fish should not be fed for 2 hours minimum or 3 hours maximum. This
will help to relieve the fish of handling stress and regain lost energy.

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 10. Stocking densities should range between 10 – 200 fingerlings / juveniles
depending on the culture system and experience of the farmer.

TEST CROPPING AND CROPPING

Test Cropping: Test Cropping or trial cropping allows for the preview of fish to be
harvested for sale. This gives opportunity for assessing the readiness of the fish under
culture for sale or market.

Cropping: Cropping or total harvesting is the total removal of fish from the pond waters
once they are adjudged ready for the market. Fish must be harvested at the right time to
command consumer acceptability and appropriate price that will bring reasonable returns.
During harvesting, the fish must be handled with care to avoid them being stressed,
bruised or injured, leading to their death. Live fish such as Clarias commands higher
price and acceptability than the dead ones.

DAILY FISH CULTURE MANAGEMENT SCHEDULE

1. Visit fish tank site early morning (7- 8a.m), mid day (12 – 1p.m) and night (6
– 7p.m).
2. Observe fish movement for stress monitoring.
3. Feed with appropriate feed at least 3 times daily at 4 – 5 hours interval when
they are young and can be reduced to twice daily when they have grown.
4. Feed at designated feeding spots.
5. Increase feed size particles as fish grows
6. Allow fresh water daily into the fish tank if the enclosure is flow-through, by
ensuring partial drainage through flushing (at least 10%) and topping of pond
water.
7. Sort out shooters from the stocked fish every fortnight for 2 months to reduce
cannibalism and assure even growth of fish.
8. Monthly sampling is a must to change or increase feed quantity corresponding
to fish weight. It also helps to know if fish are healthy or diseased.

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PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
The success of any business enterprise is dependent on the human resources available
amongst many. These are critical due to the significant influence they exert on
productivity of the farm. People are required to make operational decisions, management
of the ponds/hatchery and operate machines etc. Management of human resources on the
farm is therefore a very important business function. A farm must have the right number
of skilled and qualified personnel who must be managed in such a way that they will be
able to achieve the organizational objectives.

The farmer must ensure that farm manager, supervisors etc have definite roles, and clear
cut targets. Targets must be set at the beginning of the culture period. Rewards / penalties
must be put in place for success or failure.

Training must be organized for workers to improve efficiency and reduce wastages.
Salary should be in line with what obtains in similar industry and opportunity given to
employees to benefit from profits accruing to the organization.

FINANCIAL PLANNING
The farmer must have adequate financial plans in place to enable continuous production.
It is very important to take into account all costs necessary for production. Such costs
include feeding, fingerlings purchase, medications, fueling for generators and vehicles,
electricity, staff salaries etc.

FISH HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Fish health management is a term used in Aquaculture to describe coordination of
practices which are designed to prevent fish disease.

Prevention of fish disease is accomplished through the stocking of good quality fish
fingerlings/juveniles, maintenance of good quality water, good feeding i.e. consistent
quality, quantity, place (position) and time of feeding. Fish behavior, regular pond
inspection etc must be carried out. All these measures are necessary in the management
process so as reduce stress on fish.

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 Disease is a simple association between a pathogen and host fish. It is a condition that
impairs normal physiological functions (movement, reproduction, growth, development
etc. Mitigating circumstances such as poor water quality, over crowding, poor quality and
quantity feed etc are usually present before fish becomes sick.

Fish disease outbreaks increase production costs because of the investment lost on dead
fish, the cost of treatment, and decreased growth during convalescence. Once fish get
sick, salvage is difficult. Successful fish health management will prevent occurrence of
fish diseases. Without this foundation, outbreaks of diseases will be difficult to prevent.

Disease can be grouped into two namely infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic organisms present in the environment
(water). They are broadly categorized as parasites, bacteria, fungal, viral diseases.

EXAMPLES OF FISH DISEASES (INFECTIOUS)

Causative Agent Common Species Possible Treatment Period
Name Affected Symptoms
Myxococcus White head Clarias sp Diseased fish lose Lime – wash pond with
Piscicalla and Mouth fry and their normal Quicklime at a rate of
disease fingerlings colour and turn 150kg/ha.
milky white from
the snout to the
eye ball.

Pseudomonas Clarias sp Swollen fish Immerse fish in s
Permoalba from its infected with
solution of
eggs to table Trichodiniosis
size fish. and Glochidosis Aueromycin or
may also show
keproceryl or
symptoms of
white head and terramycin as follows:
mouth colour.
1.0g/litre of water for
5 – 7 days.

To 1kg of feed add
100gms of Keproceryl
or aueromycin.

Immerse fish into a

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 solution of
aureomycin and
terramycin at a dose of
12.5ppm for 30mins.

Other examples are (a) Flexibacter columnaris (Bacterial Gill rot) IN Clarias gariepinus
fingerlings and juveniles. The symptoms are black gill filaments covered with mud and
mucus or mucus appear putrid. Treatment is use of table salt (Nacl) at a concentration of
2 – 2.5% for 10 – 15 minutes in 20 litres of water. (b) Aeromonas punctata (Furunculosis)
in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings, juveniles and adults. The symptoms are (a) Dorsal fin
and muscle inflamed, later swollen with pus. (b) fins eroded and damaged fish appears
hyperemic and inflamed. Treatment is through (a) General pond cleaning, Lime-wash
pond at a rate of 225 – 375kg/ha/lm water depth of quicklime or 150kg/ha.

NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASES

These are caused by management procedures/handling limitations which would not

necessarily cause disease transfer from one fish to another.

Non-infectious diseases can be broadly categorized as environmental, nutritional or

genetic. Environmental diseases are the most important in commercial aquaculture.
Environmental diseases includes low dissolved oxygen, high ammonia, high nitrite, or
natural or man-made toxins in the aquatic environment. These diseases cannot be passed
from the affected fish to others. Examples are;

OXYGEN STARVATION
Reduced dissolved oxygen levels cause oxygen starvation.

Signs: Affected fish gather at the water inflow or outlet. Also fish will be observed
gasping at the water surface. Oxygen starvation may be noted as sudden mortality.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Producers must monitor dissolved oxygen levels. Aeration through the use of aerator,
pumping in fresh water after flushing out the old water.

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ALKALOSIS
H
Water that becomes too basic (alkaline( for the fish causes alkalosis. The P increases to
a level higher than the species can tolerate.
H
Signs: When the P is high for an extended period fish die. Alkalosis can cause
corroding of the skin and gills or a milky turbidity of the skin.
H
Prevention and Treatment: P of the water must be monitored and optimal ranges
maintained. Addition of alum or agricultural gypsum.

BROWN BLOOD DISEASE

This is caused by high nitrite in the water. This combines with haemoglobin in the blood,
oxidizes to methylhaemoglobin.

Signs: Signs of brown blood disease include loss of appetite, topping and literally brown
blood. Fish may die suddenly.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

This can be prevented by monitoring the nitrite levels in water. Common salt or sodium
chloride, when applied at a rate of 5ppt effectively reverses the effects of nitrite.

GAS BUBBLE DISEASE

This is caused by water supersaturated with oxygen or nitrogen. This situation is found
naturally in well and spring water when air is introduced into water lines or pumps.

Signs: Affected fish show bubbles under the skin and in the gill tissues.

Prevention and Treatment: Monitor dissolved oxygen levels and maintain optimal ranges.
Algae growth must be controlled to avoid algae bloom. Mechanical aeration is better
applied.

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SUMMARY OF DISEASE TREATMENT
Over the years, four cardinal rules of fish disease treatments have been
(a) Know your fish
(b) Know your water
(c) Know your chemical
(d) Know your disease.

FACTORS INDUCING DISEASE OUTBREAKS IN FISH AND THE WAY OUT

The greatest challenge confronting fish farmers worldwide is the issue of maintaining a
high livability (hence very low mortality) of fish from the larvae/fry stage to adult/ table-
sized stage in their aquaculture operations.
This brings to the forefront, the issue of disease prevention and control. Where there are
no strategies in place, the farmer should realize that he/she would have no control over
any eventual loss that may be incurred. The best insurance against losses in aquaculture
operation is a combination of good management practices and knowledge of disease
prevention from our lab and field experience, disease outbreaks on fish farms are usually
multifactorial. Oftentimes stress usually precedes disease outbreaks. Seyle (1950) defined
stress as “the sum of all physiology responses by which an animal tries to maintain or re-
establish a normal metabolism in the face of a physical or chemical force”.
These physiological changes that occur are classified into three and are called the general
adaptation syndrome and these are:
An alarm reaction
A stage of resistance during which adaptation occurs
A stage of exhaustion, if adaptation does not occur because the stress was too severe
or long lasting. At this stage, there is a very thin line between health and disease
condition.

FISHFISHFISH

1+2+3

ENVIROMENT PATHOGEN
A disease is an unhealthy condition. It could also be defined as absence of ease (dis-ease)
or lack of comfort and sound health.
Disease could be of infectious (bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoan and parasitic) or non-
infectious (metabolic, nutritional, genetic, etc) origin.

KEY FACTORS ASOCIATED WITH DISEASE OUTBREAKS

The fish itself: That is problems associated with the fish. These include congenital
deformities or genetic disorders like Siamese twins in fry. Overshot or undershot
jaws, albinistic ophthalmia (absence of normal skin pigment accompanied by
protruding eyes). Obtaining fingerlings/juveniles with vertically or horizontally
transmitted infections from a hatchery, is the first step towards incurring losses.
Water: The chemistry, physical properties and microbial quality of water go a long
way to determine the level of survival of fish. Core chemical parameters like total
ammonia nitrogen, unionized ammonia, pH, nitrite, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, total
hardness, etc. should be checked in water intended for fish farming. Many have made
mistakes of making this aspect the last after investing millions of naira on land and
structures. Some have ignorantly concluded that their problems in fish farming were
purely spiritual attacks only to discover that water from the source(bore-hole well)
was either highly acidic or with high levels of nitrite and ammonia that would stress
the fishes
These problems can be corrected. Very high microbial load in water can stress fish
since these organisms do produce endo/exo-toxins as normal metabolites. Where the
immune system of the fish cannot withstand this “microbial pressure”, these
microorganisms which are opportunistic then invade the tissues and cause harm to the
fish. It is easier for such a phenomenon to occur when level of organic matter is high
in cement/concrete tanks. The frequency is less in earthen ponds because of larger
water volume and lower stocking density. In the midst of outbreaks, immediate water
change (after collecting water samples and sick fish for lab test) is the first aid
approach.
Feed: Poor nutritional quality, high level of mycotoxins and very high level of
bacteria and fungi in cfu/gram of feed are major causes of disease in fish. Deficiency

39
of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has been associated with bone problems like lordosis,
scoliosis and cracked skull syndrome in fishes. Mycotoxins (e.g. aflatoxins) can have
adverse effect on metabolism in fishes because of their effect on target organs. This
would cause growth problems. Raw materials for fish feed could be tested to know
the level of aflatoxin or ochratoxin. This can be done by ELISA (Enzyme Linked
Immunosorbent Assay) so as to either diagnose the problem or advice fish feed
producer on level of toxin-binder to use while preparing fish feed. Feeding fish with
poor quality feed will result in increased FCR, hence, a poor growth.
In the course of our laboratory investigations, feed samples that were not well dried
were found to be reservoirs of pathogens responsible for fish death. Some isolates
from feed samples were the same as isolates from tissues of sick fishes (i.e. kidney,
liver, heart, etc.). In the midst of outbreaks, especially after a change in feed input
(e.g. fish meal) it is advisable to first of all withdraw the feed, until it is tested and
certified safe…
Poor Management Practices:
These are caused by man and they
include: Poor fish tank hygiene.
Rough handling of fishes during sorting.
Use of equipments (e.g. nets) without routine washing and disinfection and rinsing
properly with water.
Feeding dead fishes to others (thus transferring disease agents).
Overstocking.
Overfeeding.
Wrong application of antibiotics and chemicals, resulting in toxicity problems and
mortality.
Poor feed drying and storage.
Feeding raw chicken e.g. dead day old chicks and raw intestines to fishes, especially
catfishes. This may be a major reason why we have been isolating some common
poultry pathogens in sick and dead fishes. (Fresh samples)
Lack of quarantine facilities for new fishes, especially where re-circulatory system is
used.

40
Environment:
Beyond water, the word “environment” here refers to the water-holding facilities
Abnormalities or contamination of these water holding facilities will ensure a
continuous occurrence of disease outbreaks.
Stocking fingerlings in an un-cured new cement tank is an invitation to early disaster
in fish farming.
New cements tanks could be cured/aged by soaking the inner portion with water in
which bags of manure (cattle or poultry) are kept for 7-14 days. A thorough tank
disinfection and rinsing is suggested, after curing.
Where manure is not used, the cement tanks are filled with water and the presence of
active mosquito larvae in the stagnant water after some days is an indicator of the
tank’s safety for fish culture. The stagnant water should be drained and replaced with
clean and fresh water for fish culture.

WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

In fish culture, water quality is usually defined as suitability of water for survival and
growth of fishes and it is normally governed by only a few variables .In water quality
management, the source, quantity and location of source of water are very important.

It is important to note that this aspect of water quality management in pisciculture is

also a function of type of system used i.e., it could be an earthen pond, re-circulatory
system or a flow through system.
For example the aspect of controlling phytoplankton or algae bloom or checking and
regulating turbidity or trying to use organic or inorganic fertilizer to promote growth
of phythoplankton is limited to an earthen pond system and have nothing to do with
an intensive

41
WATER PARAMETERS:
Chemical parameters:
Amongst these are D.O. (Dissolved Oxygen), pH, Nitrite and Ammonia (ionized and
unionized) levels, carbon dioxide, Alkalinity, Total hardness, iron level etc.
Physical parameters: Examples are temperature and turbidity.
Biological parameters: Phytoplankton, Zooplankton and Macrophytes

pH: This is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water. The pH scale is from 1 to
14. A value of 7 is considered neutral while below 7 is acidic and above it is alkaline.
Acceptable range is between 6.5 and 8.5. Different pH levels have their implications
on fish growth as shown below
pH Effect on Fish
4 Acid death point
4.5 No reproduction
5.0 -6.5 Slow growth
6.5-8.5 Desirable range for fish
production
9 -10 Slow growth
11 and above Alkaline death point
From experience with cases received in the laboratory, most cases of hatching failures
have been associated with low pH and softness of water from the source. Calibrated pH
meters could be used in measuring pH of fish pond water. Low pH could be adjusted, by
use of sodium carbonate. Very high pH could be adjusted to the normal range, using
alluminium sulphate at 1ppm, to remove 1ppm of alkalinity which is also a reflection of
the pH.
D .Hardness : This is chiefly a measure of the calcium and magnesium ions in water. A
sample of water is considered to be soft when the measure of hardness is below 50 ppm.
Most water samples that are soft are acidic. while those that are hard are alkaline, i.e.
with pH above 7. Fish in soft water (very low Ca2+), tend to lose Na+ and K+ and would
have to spend some energy to re-absorb these ions back into the body, hence poor weight
gain. Calcium carbonate or ground agricultural lime (limestone) could be used in

42
increasing water hardness. Note that to increase the calcium hardness, with minimal
effect on pH, it is better to use calcium chloride, which also has rapid and excellent
solubility.
Experience has shown that excessive hardness of water at about 300-400ppm or more
will not support hatching operations, though juveniles of catfish bought from other
sources would still thrive on such farms. At the hatchery level, zeolite (volcanic ash)
could be used as a means of reducing the level of calcium and magnesium ions.
E. Ammonia: Fish excrete ammonia and less amount of urea into water as waste. Two
forms that occur in water are the unionized ammonia(UIA) and the ionized ammonia.
Both are referred to as total ammonia nitrogen(TAN). Temperature and pH do affect the
proportion of ammonia that is toxic (IUA),and here the lower the pH,the better. UIA
concentration of 0.4 to 3.1 ppm within 96 hours has been shown to be toxic to catfish,
while lower concentrations depress growth rates. High ammonia destroys fish gill tissues
before leading to death.
hours has been shown to be toxic to catfish, while lower concentrations depress growth
rates. High ammonia destroys fish gill tissues before leading to death.
Temperature: Right from the developmental stage of fish embryo to the adult stage,
temperature plays a major role in regulating metabolic processes in fish which is
poikliothermic. The higher the water temperature, the lower the level of dissolved
oxygen. The lower the water temperature, the lower the rate of feed consumption and
metabolism.
Turbidity: This is a measure of the absorption of light passing through water. Light
penetrates only a short distance in highly turbid waters. A secchi disk is used in
measuring turbidity and the measure of transparency is an indicator of the degree of
fertilization in earthen ponds. Phytoplankton (which is vital for oxygen production by
photosynthesis) and zooplankton in earthen ponds have their own roles in this system and
are measured by different means. However in intensive/super-intensive re-circulatory
system these have no place as formulated fish feed pellets are consumed by fish and
aeration units are available. The biological aspect that is important in the super-intensive
re-circulatory system are the microbes like fungi and bacteria. The levels of these

43
organisms could build-up dangerously in a closed system if not checked. This is the
reason why U.V.radiation and ozone are used as a means of controlling these.
Phytoplankton (which is vital for oxygen production by photosynthesis) and zooplankton
in earthen ponds have their own roles in this system and are measured by different means.
However in intensive/super-intensive re-circulatory system these have no place as
formulated fish feed pellets are consumed by fish and aeration units are available. The
biological aspect that is important in the super-intensive re-circulatory system are the
microbes like fungi and bacteria. The levels of these organisms could build-up
dangerously in a closed system if not checked. This is the reason why U.V.radiation and
ozone are used as a means of controlling these.

FARM RECORDS

FISH FARM RECORDS

A record is a register a formal writing of any fact or proceeding, it’s a book
of remembrance or any thing entered into the rolls.

WHY ARE RECORDS NEEDED

1. To keep track of fish stock in ponds

2. Record growth rate (thus determine quantity of feed applied per time)
3. To monitor expenditure levels
4. To calculate profit at the end of the culture periods
5. To check activities of human predators
6. To make economic appraisal of the entire project.

TYPES OF RECORD
1. Feed consumption record (daily, weekly and monthly)
2. Store records (feed, medication, fuel)
3. petty cash imprest book
4. Staff salaries vouchers

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 AGROBUSINESS FARMS LIMITED
DAILYFEED RECORD
SPECIE OF FISH…………………………….
POND POND QUANTITY AVERAGE
NO…………… SIZE……… STOCKED ……… WEIGHT……………
DAY QUANTITY MORTALITY REMARKS
OF (MEDICATION,
FEED(KG) BEHAVIOUR ETC.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

EDEN FARMS LIMITED

WEEKLY FEED RECORD
SPECIE OF FISH…………………………….
QUANTITY STOCKED AVERAGE
POND NO……… POND SIZE……… ……… WEIGHT…………
WEEK QUANTITY MORTALITY REMARKS
OF FEED(KG) (MEDICATION, ETC.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

For more Catfish info, sales and consultancy

CATFISH NIGERIA
Website: www.AgroBusiness.biz
Email: info@agrobusiness.biz

Phone: 09083199945

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