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Fish Hatchery Management in Nigeria

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Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology 3(2): 144-154, 2011
ISSN: 2042-4876
© Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011
Received: February 25, 2011 Accepted: March 19, 2011 Published: April 10, 2011

Fish Hatchery Management in Nigeria

1
J.A. Akankali, 2E.I. Seiyaboh and 2J.F.N. Abowei
1
Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture,
University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
2
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University,
Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract: Fish hatchery management is efficient tool in intensive fish culture. The vital requirements of fish
hatchery, hatchery construction, concrete tank construction, nursery, rearing and production ponds, fish seed
hatchery, hormone in fish spawning, hypophysation, compounds used for induced breeding, hormone
administration, spawning and rearing, steps in artificial propagation, hatchery management, nursery
management are basic elements in effective hatchery management. The article reviews these vital elements
to re-awaken fish farmers, Fisheries students private and public sectors in the formulation of fisheries policies.

Key words: Brood stock, fish hatchery, hormones, management, hypophysation, nursery, spawning

INTRODUCTION The Food and Agricultural Organization of the

United Nations (FAO, 2006) stated that Nigeria is a
The steadily growing importance of fish farming has protein deficient country. The protein deficiency in the
compelled improvements in the technologies necessary diets can be primarily remedied through the consumption
for securing the initial and basic requirements for of either protein-rich plants or animal food stuffs.
productive aquaculture; namely the production of fish Protein from animal sources is in short supply in
seed for stocking. Fish culture today is hardly possible Nigeria due to the rapid increase in human population
without the artificial propagation of fish seeds of preferred annually a well as the decrease in livestock population du
cultivable fish species. The need for the production of
to several factors including diseases, deforestation and
quality fish seed for stocking the fish ponds and natural
drought, scarcity and high cost of quality feeds, poor
water bodies has indeed increased steadily (Brain and
Army, 1980). Artificial propagation methods constitute genetic qualities and limited supply of indigenous breeds
the major practicable means of providing enough quality and avian flu disease which brought about mass mortality
seed for rearing in confined fish enclosure waters such a of poultry. These factors combined have raised the cost of
fish ponds, reservoirs and lakes (Charo and Oirere, 2000). animal protein to a level that is almost beyond the reach
The production of marketable fish fingerlings or of the ordinary citizen. This situation has therefore given
juveniles into rearing environment that assures optimum rise to a considerable increase in the demand for fish to
and rapid growth to allow harvest in the shortest possible supplement the needed animal protein intake.
time. The fish farmer has to obtain adequate number of This study reviews the vital requirements of fish
young fish to meet his production goals. The possibilities hatchery, hatchery construction, concrete tank
of obtaining fish seed in adequate numbers from natural construction, nursery, rearing and production ponds, fish
source is rather limited. Even the spawners which, seed hatchery, hormone in fish spawning, hypophysation,
reproduces successfully n confined enclosures are compounds used for induced breeding, hormone
propagated artificially. administration, spawning and rearing, steps in artificial
Apart from being able to obtain quality seed, the propagation, hatchery management, nursery management
artificial propagation technique can also be used to
to re-awaken fish farmers, Fisheries students private and
develop strains superior to their ancestors by the methods
of selective breeding and hybridization. Depending on the public sectors in the formulation of fisheries policies.
perfection of the system, at least 65% of the eggs
produced can be raised to viable fingerlings as against less REQUIREMENTS FOR FISH HATCHERY
than 1% survival rate in natural spawning. It is through
this method that out of season supplies of fingerlings are Intensive fish culture seldom exists without an efficient
achieved. fish hatchery management (Adekoya et al., 2006). It

Corresponding Author: J.F.N. Abowei, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of science, Niger Delta University,
Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
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 Adv. J. Food Sci. Technol., 3(2): 144-154, 2011

involves a long range of breeding activities ranging from must be considered. The extent of pollutants from
the collection, selection and manipulation of breeders for agricultural or industrial origin should also be
spawning or stripping of eggs up to the nursing hatchlings investigated.
to a minimum of one month old. Proper site selection C Biological properties include the quantity and density
plays an important role in any successful fish hatchery. of plankton; and
The vital requirements of fish hatchery include: C Microbiological properties include the species and
type of parasites
C Adequate supply of plenty quality water
C Sufficient land for hatchery tanks, buildings and Economic and social factors: This involves the cost
other assets. involved and reactions of people in the area of operation.
C Electricity The economic and social factors necessary for
C Transportation facilities; and consideration in site selection include:
C Manpower
C Development plan for the project area
In addition, the following factors need be considered C Ownership, availability of land and cost of land
on the site. C Proximity to all
C Availability of equipment, service and supplies
Ecological factors: These factors consider the needed for running the project
relationship between the abiotic and biotic factors existing C Availability of construction materials
in the site. For example: C Availability of supplementary feeds
C Location of markets for the produce and
Water supply: There must be a reliable source of water, determination of demand
which needs proper analysis for discharge, yield, flood C Cost of equipment, materials and feeds
and elevations. Sources of water supply for hatchery C Availability of suitable transport facilities
include rivers, reservoirs, springs, creeks, lakes and bore C Availability of staff with adequate hatchery
holes or deep wells. Springs and boreholes that are management skills
relatively free from pollution are preferable. It is essential C Availability of skilled and semi-skilled labor
that water for hatchery should be free from pollution. C Information on local financing methods or credits
Dissolved oxygen of at least 5 ppm is required. Water C Political realities
could be supplied to the hatchery through feeder channel,
pipe or gravity. Gravity method is preferable because it Biological and operational factors:
These include:
saves cost. A small waterfall from the supply tank is
C Species to be cultured
needed. This provides pressure for the devices. The
C Resources and availability of brood stock
required pressure ranges from 1.0-1.5 m fall. Stronger
C Type of project (small scale or large scale)
pressure is not necessary because it would harm the
C Operational target
delicate eggs and larvae. When the water contains gases
C Estimated size of area required
such as methane, hydrogen sulphide and limited dissolved
oxygen, simple oxygenation filter can make it suitable for Negligence of these factors before choosing any fish
the hatchery. hatchery site would lead to a failure of the project.
Temperature: Most warm water fishes need water HATCHERY CONSTRUCTION
temperatures ranging from 20 to 30ºC for their
propagation. Extreme cold or warm temperatures inhibit A modern hatchery and fish seed distribution center
final gonad development. The eggs and larvae are very is composed of four different units.
fragile. Therefore, the water must be analyzed to provide
information on its physical, chemical, biological and C Brood fishpond
microbiological properties. Emphasis should be on the C The hatchery
following: C Nursery
C Fingerling rearing cum production ponds.
C Physical properties such as temperature, turbidity,
transparency and odor. Brood fishponds: The brood fish provides several
C Chemical properties such as pH, dissolved oxygen, products for starting new generations of fish. It must be
free carbon (iv) oxide, salinity and ammonia. The given adequate care. Smaller ponds are recommended for
levels at which these substances, are useful and toxic the harvesting and selection of brooders. Pond size

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ranging from 200-1000 m2 is adequate. Let the number, materials at the base have continuity with that of the wall.
size and variety of species of brooders guide the pond The thickness of the wall depends on the size of the tanks.
size. Tanks containing 16-20 m3 water volume have diameters
Brood fishponds should be a minimum of five meters ranging from 10-15 cm thicknesses. The walls mixtures
deep and be supplied with sufficient water. Replenish the are 1:2:4. These are properly compacted during casting.
water lost by evaporation or leakage carefully. Store The use of waterproof cement enhances the efficiency of
brood fish in an area with adequate security and easily waterproof tanks. The tanks are plastered inside.
accessible. Rectangular shaped ponds of (75x20) m2 or Plastering provides smooth surfaces. The right-angled
(80x25) m2 are adequate. joints are “rounded off”. This makes easy clearing and
reduced algal, bacterial and protozoan growth. Concrete
Hatchery: The hatchery is very important and needs pouring work is continuous. This prevents the concrete
water with good quality during the propagation season. from drying out. Failure to do this would result in cracks
Spent water from the hatchery can be diverted into other and leaks at the joints. All tanks require a good drainage.
units in the center if properly treated. The hatchery A turn down pipe requires a gentle slope on the floor
includes tanks or containers where ripe brooders for towards drainage. It is essential to “age” new tanks before
induced spawning are kept. Ward basin tanks are used for usage. Filling the tanks with waters to remove any soluble
the injected brood fish. The bottom of these basins has a toxic materials in the tank could do this. This could be
gentle slope towards the drain. They can be completely carried out weekly for a period of one month.
drained easily. A turn down pipe serves for regulating the
water level. The chain and peg is required to lock the turn Nursery, rearing and production ponds: The numbers
down pipe in position. This prevents back flow of water of nursery, rearing and production ponds for a hatchery
from ward tank to the drain (Aluko et al., 2003). depend on the number of fry and fingerlings expected
Injected fish are stripped in 20-25cm deep and 50cm from the hatchery (Ayinla and Nwadukwe, 1988). The
wide ditch along the longitudinal areas of the basin. This sizes depend on the following factors:
is because the fish could easily be taken from the basin for
stripping without obstruction. The recommended sizes of C Species bred
basins are (2.5x1.5x1.0) m3 for 4-10 breeders and (4x2x1) C Fecundity of the species
m3 for more. Larger ward tanks should be avoided, C Number of brooders
especially for fish induced to spawn. Fertilized eggs C Number of hatch able eggs
obtained through stripping or induced spawning are C Number of surviving fry to fingerlings
incubated. The hatched larvae are reared to fry feeding
stage in the hatchery. The tanks for a hatchery could be Nursery ponds could range from 200-500 m2, while
concrete, plastic, wooden, fibre-glass or hollow blocks, rearing and production ponds could range from 500-2000
but water tight. Although concrete tanks are more durable, m2. The management of these ponds depends on the
hollow block tanks could be used for temporal measures. ability of the fish culturist. They could be rectangular in
shape, but better when the width is half the length. This
facilitates easy seining during partial harvesting. Proper
Concrete tank construction: The materials required for
drainage system in these ponds in necessary. The bottom
the construction of concrete tanks are sand, chipping
measures 2.0-2.5 m from either side towards the middle
stones of 9.2 mm size, cement, re-enforcement rods of
measuring 2-3 m. A wide ditch of 0.5 m deeper than the
sizes 8 and 10 mm, binding wire, nails, wood and flat surface of the bottom is constructed to provide refuge
plumbing materials. The wood and plumbing materials are for the fish. The soil for these ponds should have a good
for the inlets and outlets of the tanks. percentage of clay that is watertight. The desired water
The required personnel include carpenter, Manson, levels in ponds are maintained during rearing at any
plumber, filter, unskilled labor and a fish culture engineer season of the year (Brain and Army 1980).
or an experienced fish culturist. The latter would guide in
the construction of the facilities. A house to shelter these FISH SEED HATCHERY
tanks for security and enhanced working condition is
necessary. The source and means of procuring fish seed directly
Moderately heavy textured soils are good because influence the production of fish from fish culture.
weights of the whole structure rest on it. Soft soils are Regular supply of fish fingerlings increases regular fish
strengthened with gravel and sand. The mixture of the production. The cost of fingerling varies and is an
first base is 1:4:8; while the second base is 1:2:4. The first important factor in determining the production cost. The
base is bigger than the tank. This balances the weight. production of eggs, larvae and fingerlings in a hatchery
The entire walls, bases and tanks are re-enforced with depends on the number of hatch able eggs, survival and
re-enforcement rods and bundles. The re-enforcement growth rates of the larvae (Charo and Oirere, 2000).

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In commercial fingerling production, certain occurs can ensure health care for brood fish. Sexing of
investment in equipment, infrastructure and trained fish prior to spawning is inevitable. Fishes such as Clarias
personnel are inevitable. These costs can be considered as spp., Heterobranchus spp and the tilapias are sexually
part of the production cost of marketable fish. dimorphic. There is no difficulty in sexing these fishes.
For certain fish species, it is difficult to understand Mature brooders of carp and Heterotis spp release
and control the stages of reproduction. Fish culturists eggs/milt when pressed gently on the abdomen. Most
depend on natural supply. For example, Gymnarchus inland fresh water fish breed during the rainy season
niloticus and Heterotis niloticus. Fish reproduces in the except the tilapias and carp which breed all year round
hatchery when the conditions are similar to the natural (Ezeri et al., 2009).
spawning conditions. Maturation of gonads needs certain amount of
There are various forms of controlled reproduction, temperature referred to as “hour grades” or “day grade”.
but all achieve the same thing (fertilized fish eggs). In Length of photoperiod is also important but excludes
some cases, the adult fish are captured from the wild. In equatorial fish species. In the equatorial region, a change
other cases, the fish is obtained from the fish farm itself. in length of days with the solar year is minimal. The
The various activities in hatchery fish seed production intensity of light in the breeding environment can also
are: play an important role. Some species breed in daylight.
Others breed in the dark. The physical and chemical
C Brood stock management parameters of the water are optimal. Stocking densities
C Hatchery management proper are low. This avoids stress and facilitates the maturation
C Nursery management of the gonads.
Feeding of brood stock is important. If adequate feed
Brood stock management: Brood stock management is not administered to the brood stock, cellular
involves caring of the brooders from the time the fish was modifications in the hypophysis and a reduction of
captured and brought for breeding to the time of secretions in gonadotropins occur. There is therefore the
spawning, stripping and returned. Brooders could be need for proper feeding prior to breeding. The feeds are
obtained from the wild or fishpond. Wild brood fish can composed of different feed ingredients devoid of an
be easily captured during: unknown deficiency. Fish fed with the ingredients:
protein, lipids, calcium and phosphate are sufficient for
C The breeding season when mature fish aggregates or egg yolk production.
migrate towards shallow spawning grounds; or The rearing of fingerlings to mature fish in fishponds
C The dry season, when they are relatively concentrated is alternative to capturing brood fish from the spawning
at the shallow areas of their natural habitats. grounds. At harvest, mature fish are selected and
transferred to holding units in the hatchery or a special
Handling and transportation of brood fish from the fishpond. Brood fish of weight ranging from 0.5-1.0 kg
wild is carefully done. Brood fish from the wild are are preferable. They have substantial quantities of eggs
disinfected and parasite removed with a formal dehyde and are easy to manipulate. The period of indoor rearing
bath (15 ppm for 6 h) together with a fungicide (Malachite of fry to fingerling size of 1g varies from six to eight
green 0.2 ppm) and bactericide (furaltadone or weeks. However, this depends on the water temperature
furazolidone, 10 ppm for 1 h). This can be applied daily and feed quality. It implies that artificial propagation can
for four days after transportation. This prevents disease be carried out every six to eight weeks. If the fingerlings
out break; though, infections from the injuries incurred are raised in ponds, artificial breeding can be carried out
during the handling and transportation Richter and Van once or twice every month in order to meet the annual
Der Hurk, 1982). production of fish fingerlings.
Brood fish from the wild are reared in special ponds
for the maturation of gonads, and are prepared for Rearing of brood fish: Both intensive and extensive fish
spawning. Sexual maturation of the fish is facilitated by culture require adequate sexual products as pre-requisites
the external factors: for artificial propagation. Therefore, sexually mature and
healthy brooder kept in suitable environmental conditions
C Temperature with adequate food supply are mandatory. Optimal
C Photoperiod hatchery management is required to maintain brood fish
C Water volume under optimal conditions.
C Salinity The brood fish maintained in the hatchery can be
C pH captured with a rectangular hand net after reducing the
water level in the tanks. A seine net can be used in the
With a corresponding internal change resulting from capture of brood fish from fishponds. Mature female fish
hormonal activity, adequate feeding before spawning are chosen based on the criteria:

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C Well-rounded and soft abdomen extended anteriority pituitary gonad tropic hormone. During the lifetime of the
from the pectoral fin to the urogenital papilla. animal, the balance of hormones, sometimes called the
C Mature eggs with clear nucleus at the center obtained hormone spectrum, is continuously changing and
easily by slight pressure on the abdomen. controlling the direction of its activities. Certain
C The genital opening is swollen and reddish or rose in prolonged conditions such as exposure to stress or cold
color. may led to increase in the size of the endocrine concerned,
in this case the adrenals which is an adaptive change
There are seldom-external characteristics peculiar to analogous to learning.
the mature male fish. A more elongated swollen The mediator between the environment and the
urogenital papilla describes the “ready to spawn” males. animal, that is, the nervous system and especially by the
In practice, it is convenient to select the breeders in hypothalamus, is in close proximity to the pituitary. This
the morning and administer the hormone in the evening. is described as the “master gland”, and is situated below
Selected breeders are kept in a plastic pool or basin filled the fore brain. It can be stimulated directly by external
with well-oxygenated clear water, covered with a board to environmental change. The working of the pituitary is
prevent the escape of the fish. Careful handling with hand also related to the hypothalamus, which integrates so
net and wet towels is necessary for the proper health care many of the visceral activities (Hogendoorn, 1981).
for breeders during artificial reproduction. The selected In fish, hormonal control of reproduction is secreted
breeders are starved prior to stripping. and relayed by the secretion of successive hormones by
various organs. The environmental stimulus is received by
SPAWNING METHODS the brain, which transmits the information to the
hypothalamus and subsequently to the pituitary. The
Several spawning methods can be used in fish culture stimulus is transmitted from the gonads, which produce
for the production of fry and fingerlings: the sexual hormone. The control of the activities is at
three levels:
C Natural spawning without hormonal treatments. This
is through the simulation of natural spawning C Hypothalamic
conditions in ponds or tanks. C Pituitary
C Natural spawning with hormones. The final C Gonad level
maturation of gametes is achieved through the
administration of hormones. The fish spawn naturally Final maturation precedes ovulation and can be easily
in the pond or tank after hormone administration. induced in clarias gariepinus. The success of artificial
C Artificial spawning with or without hormone propagation depends on the number of post vitellogenic
treatment. Sexually matured brood fish are obtained ovocytes in the ovary. These are the size of the female
through the administration of hormones. The eggs are gonad and gonad maturity. Roundness of the abdomen
stripped from the female brood fish manually. and the number of post vitellogenic eggs from the ovary
Fertilization is also done manually. The eggs are are signs of gonad maturity. The number of post
incubated for hatching. vitellogenic eggs can be obtained by inserting a crannule
of inner diameter ranging from 1-1.5 mm into the
Hormone in fish spawning: Hormone action is urogenital orifice and carefully sucking out some eggs.
particularly concerned with metabolic activities that is The diameter of the eggs can be measured with a
anabolic (building up processes) and catabolic (breaking binocular, using a micrometer or millimeter paper. This
down processes) in the cytoplasm. By altering the balance sample represents the egg development of the ovary
of these, hormones are able to coordinate such long-term because maturity of different parts of gonads is similar.
changes as growth and maturation, which are less suited
to nervous control. Both nervous and endocrine Hypophysation: This is the process of inducing fish to
mechanisms use basic properties of the living cell, such as spawn through the use of hormones. The pituitary gland
secretion and the propagation of impulses. It is not provides one of such hormones. The pituitary gland is
possible to decide which type of coordination came first extracted and preserved in alcohol or cerine. The whole
in evolution and both methods are closely connected. The pituitary gland can be used fresh or dried. It is ground,
hypothalamus in vertebrates contains certain neuron- placed in a suitable solvent and centrifuged. The extract
secretary cells specialized for the production of hormones. is administered to female fish or both sexes.
In many cases neurons secrete a hormone for synaptic Other hormones used are Human chronic
transmission (Fagbenro et al., 1991). gonadotropin (HCG), Leutinizing hormone (LH) and
The build-up of gonad hormones in the female during Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Both pituitary
maturation of the ovum suppresses the secretion of extract and these hormones are widely used. The dose

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used varies with fish breeders since no standard dose exist Dosage:
for all fish species. However, the recommended dose of Species Sex MI/kg body weight
Rohu Male 0.1-0.30
2 to 6 mg/kg of body weight for pituitary extract is Female 0.3-0.5
adequate (Nwadukwe et al., 1991). Catla Male 0.1-0.30
The use of hormones to induce maturation, spawning Female 0.3-0.50
and sex reversal of captive fish is one of the most Mrigal Male 0.1-0.30
Female 0.3-0.50
important and exciting areas of Aquaculture research. Cross carp Male 0.01-0.30
Fish that are already in breeding condition and have Female 0.4-0.80
matured eggs in which the germinal vesicle has migrated Silver carp Male 0.1-0.30
can easily be induced to spawn by injection of naturally Female 0.4-0.80
Catfishes Male 0.2-0.40
occurring reproductive hormones or their synthetic Female 0.6-0.90
analogs.
C Dosage of WOVA-FH can be adjusted depending on
Numerous hormones have been used to induce the brood stock, weather and agro climatic
reproduction: conditions.
LHRHa: Leutinizing hormone releasing hormone is the
name of a mammalian hormone that has been employed STORAGE: Store below or at 25ºC.
successfully to induce reproductive hormonal cascade.
Argent laboratories, USA, manufacture its analogue OVAPRIM: Domperdone in combination with Salmon
referred to as LHRHa. It is many times stronger than gonadotropin - releasing hormone SnGnRHa is packaged
naturally occurring one. Fish because they are pure and in one preparation (Trade name: OVAPRIM). Syndel
are not rapidly metabolizes this; they remain active for laboratories, Canada, manufacture Ovaprim. Ova prim
longer periods. Research has shown this to be the most contains 0.02 mg SnGnRHa and 10 mg of domperidone.
potent maturation and spawning hormone. LHRHa is not
Domperidone is adopamine antagonist. Ova prim is
specific to any particular species and should be applicable
popularly used in inducing ovulation and spawning in
universally to all species. When dopamine is present in
freshwater fishes (Makinde, 2001).
the fish, even LHRHa will have only limited success. A
The company recommended dosage of ova prim is
dopamine antagonist is used to limit the effects of
0.5 mL/kg. However, Mrigal, Rohu carps and African
dopamine. When, LHRHa and a dopamine antagonist
catfishes have been induced with single intramuscular
such as Pimozide (PIM) are used together, reproductive
infection of lower dose of ova prim.
success increases.
Possible combinations:
Human Choronic gonadotropin (HCG): Less specific
method of inducing spawning is to augment serum gonad
0.05 mg LHRHa+1 mg PIM/kg body wt
tropic levels by injection of HCG. HCG is a cost effective
0.05 mg LHRHa + 5 mg PIM/kg body wt
method of inducing spawning but it is primarily used on
WOVA - FHTM: Wova-FH is manufactured by ripe fish to ensure completeness of spawning as well as
WOCKHARDT, one of the largest pharmaceutical maximum output.
companies in India. WOVA-FHTM can be used for HCG is perhaps the oldest agent commercially used
induced breeding in carp and catfish. The trade name is in induced spawning. Each vial of GCH contains 10,000
WOVA-FHTM-Synthetic Gonadotropin analogue i.u units (international unit) of Human Chorionic
(WoVA-FHTM-SnGnRH). Performance of WOVA- Gonadotropin with a separate 10 c. c vial of sterile
FHTM has been assessed in some of the government and diluents water. HCG is often used as a primer with
private hatcheries in Andra Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa pituitary extracts of salmon or Carp as well as with
and other places. Results proved that WOVA-FHTM is Synthetic hormones like (LH-RH). Doses vary from 45
very effective synthetic fish hormone for induced i.u/kg to 12500 u/kg depending on species and maturity of
breeding. the recipient fish. However, 4.0 i.u/g body weights was
Advantages: recommended in inducing Clarias gariepinus to spawn
(Richter and Van Der Hurk, 1982).
C High fertilization and hatching rate
C Single dose administration Carp pituitary extract (CPE): Argent Chemical Ltd.
C No stress to the brood stock U.S.A manufactures acetone-dried carp pituitary extract.
C Easy inject ability It is a very effective agent extracted from carp fish
C Cost effective pituitary. Sodium Chloride solution, 0.6-0.7%
C Stable at room temperature and long shelf life (Physiological salt solution) is used as solvent for
C Easily available and ready to use pituitary gland solution. This solution can be obtained by

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dissolving six to seven grammes clean common salt, free Table 1: Preparation of pituitary gland solution
from iodine, in one liter distilled, or boiled tap water. Species C.gariepinus
Number of females 10
Addition of 10% glycerin to the solvent is recommended Average weight of females 500 g (0.5 kg)
to increase the viscosity of the solution, which will reduce Dosage 4 mg/kg
wastage of the solution by retracting after injection. Total weight of females 5 kg
Quantity of pituitary powder (5kg x 4 mg/kg) 20 mg
Preparation of pituitary gland solution: The quantity of Quantity of solvent 1 mL/500 g body weight 10 mL
Ayinla and Nwdukwe (2003)
pituitary extract as well as the quantity of solvent required
for each propagation can be calculated from the estimated
total body weight of the females to be treated as C Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) in water
illustrated in Table 1. solvent (5 mg/100 g body weight and in oil solvent,
2.5 mg/ 100 g body weight)
Estimated of hormone solution to be injected:
C Concentration of pituitary gland solution Hypophysation with frog pituitary extract induces
20 mg/10 mL = 2 mg/L final maturation and ovulation in Clarias anguilaries.
C Weight of female = 500 g The hormone dosage required varies with “readiness” to
spawn of the female fish. The “readiness” to spawn of the
C Required quantity of pituitary gland female fish depends on the season, age, size sensitivity
(4 mg/kg x 0.500 kg) = 2 mg and farming conditions. It is easier to use whole glands
of approximately the same size of fish than pulverized
C Required quantity of hormoneSolution (2.0 mg/2 mL) glands. The use of pulverized glands require a
microbalance for weight measurement, because, only
The recommended dosage is 6 mg/L, for induction of some milligrams are needed for each propagation. The
Heterobranchus species. pulverized glands can be easily contaminated with
adulterated brain tissue. The hormone is administered by
Deoxycorticosteroid acetate (DOCA): Oocyte a single decisive dose to the female fish (Richter and Van
maturation can be induced with DOCA, but ovulation will Der Hurk, 1982).
need to be evoked mechanically. The use of DOCA is not
usually recommended since this compound only induces Pituitary gland solution preparation: Physiological
pre-ovulation or final maturation. saline can be used as solvent for pituitary gland solution.
In induction of Clarias gariepinus, Ten percent glycerin can be added to increase the
Deoxycorticosteriod acetate doses are as follows: viscosity of the solution. This reduces injected hormone
wastage by retraction after injection. Adequate quantity
C In water solvent, 5 mg/100g body weight of hormone solution should be used. A mL pituitary
C In oil solvent, 2.5 mg/100g body weight
gland solution per 500 g body weight is adequate.
The required fresh pituitary gland from the donor fish
Fresh pituitary: Acetones dried of fresh fish pituitary are
is extracted, defattened and dehydrated in acetone or
used in one pituitary to one female fish ratio. The
alcohol. This is placed in physiological saline, macerated
hormone is administered in a single injection and spawn and allowed to settle. The supernatant is administered to
the fish within 8 to 24 h. The dosage used and frequency the female fish. Pulverized acetone dried pituitary gland
of spawning depends on the quality of the pituitary extract is weighed and placed in a small dry porcelain mortar.
and the stage of the female fish maturity. However, it is The measured quantity of glycerin is initially added to
necessary to determine the proper dosage in each case. facilitate pulverization of the powder or glands preceding
The doses for human choronic gonadotropin vary from 45 the salt solution (Richter and Van Der Hurk, 1982).
to 12500 ui/kg, depending on the fish specie.
Hormone administration: Brooder female fish of
Compounds used for induced breeding: The approximately equal sizes are selected for hormone
compounds commonly used for induced artificial administration. All female fish can be injected with the
propagation include same quantity of pituitary gland solution. Otherwise each
female fish be weighed and the quantity of useable
C Acetone dried carp pituitary at 4 mg/kg body weight hormone solution estimated. Intramuscular injection into
C Acetone dried or fresh pituitary of 4 mg/kg body the dorsal muscles above the lateral line below the
weight anterior part of the dorsal fin is the commonly used
C Human choronic gonadotropin (HCG) at 4.0 iu/g. technique. This can be done using a graduated syringe
body weight ranging from 2 to 5 mL.

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It is preferable to administer hormones in the C Flattering (hollowing)

evening. However, the injection time depends on the
water temperature and desired time of stripping. It is obvious that only post-vitellogenic or dormant
Handling of brooders should be done with care, using a ovocytes respond to the hormones treatment. Only the
wet towel. The females are gently kept in covered transparent ovocytes in which pre-ovulation occurred
containers after hormone administration (Richter and Van would be discharged into the ovaries and fertilized. Early
Der Hurk, 1982). stripping results in incomplete ovulation. Late stripping
results in overripe ovulated eggs and subsequent
Spawning and rearing: In the mass production of fry and resorption. The incubation of unripe or overripe eggs
fingerlings, semi-natural or hormone-induced propagation result in relatively low hatching rates. Therefore, it is
of fish species in ponds or tanks is not a reliable method. essential to strip females as soon as the main bulk of the
This is the case with the mass production of Clarias eggs are ovulated. Majority of eggs mature and ovulate
gariepinus fingerlings. Therefore, artificial propagation in simultaneously. The required time for pre-ovulation and
a hatchery under controlled environmental conditions is ovulation (latency time) varies with the water
necessary to ensure production en masse of fry and temperature. Latency time is inversely proportional to the
fingerlings. The advantages of artificial propagation water temperature. When HCG is used, the latency time
resulting from artificial fertilization, fertilized eggs is slightly extended compared to when fresh pituitary
incubation and subsequent rearing to fingerlings are: gland is used. The latency time at 25ºC is 13 h for
fresh pituitary gland and 14-16 h for HCG
C Better fertilization rate and hatching (Nwadukwe et al., 1991).
C Protection from predators and unfavorable The ovulated female fish is carefully caught with a
environmental conditions. hand net and held with head pressed by two persons using
C Better growth and survival conditions. wet towels. One person presses the abdomen of brood
fish gently with the thumb from the anterior pectoral fin
Steps in artificial propagation: The artificial to the genital papilla. A second person holds the tail
propagation of fin fishes involves a chain of activities strongly. If the spawner female responds positively to the
similar to natural production. For example, the process hormone treatment, ovulated eggs easily flow out in a
involved in the artificial propagation of Clarias thick jet from the genital papilla. The eggs are collected
gariepinus is: into a dry plastic or enamel bowl. When stripping is
complete, only few eggs flow out. Most often, the
C Brood fish selection from nature or fish ponds appearance of some blood with non-transparent eggs is an
C Brood fish rearing indication that almost all the ovulated eggs have been
C Inducing final maturation and ovulation with released. The spawner female fish is now called “spent”.
hormone treatment.
C Treatment of the male and milt collection Procurement of Milt: The spermatozoa from a male
C Stripping of the female and egg collection spawner fish are obtained an hour to stripping. It is
C Artificial fertilization difficult to strip the male for milt. This is probably due to
C Incubation and hatching of eggs; and the anatomical structure of the seminal vesicles.
C Larvae and fry rearing. Therefore, milt is obtained by sacrificing a spawner male
fish. Its testes are dissected and small incisions are made
HATCHERY MANAGEMENT into the cream colored lobes of the testes.
The milt can easily be squeezed out and collected
This involves the collection of male and female into a vital or small bottle. This process can obtain several
gametes for artificial fertilization or the collection of droplets of milt. Milt can be diluted with physiological
fertilized eggs from spawning mats, heaps and spawning saline solution. Contact with water should be avoided.
receptacles; incubation of fertilized eggs, hatching and Otherwise, the spermatozoa lose its ability to fertilize
maintenance of hatchling (Nwadukwe et al., 1991). mature fish eggs. Milt solution can be stored in a
refrigerator for one or two days without affecting its
Procurement of ripe eggs: Pre-ovulation is continuous activity (Nwadukwe et al., 1991).
after the administration of the correct hormone dosage.
The eggs must be spawned or stripped once, these Fertilization: The union of the male’s spermatozoa and
processes, start. The physical effects of induced pre- the female’s mature eggs to form a zygote is referred to as
ovulation on the ovocytes are: fertilization. In fish, the fertilization period is limited.
This is because; fish eggs swell immediately when in
C Increasing diameter due to hydration contact with water, resulting in the micropyle closure. For
C Changing of color from transparent green to common carp, the fertilization period is within 45-60 sec.
brownish green; and In most other fish species, it is limited to few minutes.

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Special precaution must therefore be taken to the C Wrong latency period

application of water during artificial fertilization. Three C Over stressing of female spawners during latency
methods are commonly adopted in the artificial period
fertilization. C Incubation of more than one layer of eggs per
incubation tray
C The wet method: Sexual products are stripped C Poor incubation conditions
simultaneously into a receptacle containing a small
quantity of water NURSERY MANAGEMENT
C The dry method: Sexual products are stripped into a
dry receptacle, mixed properly before the addition of Nursery management starts from the hatching stage to
water free swimming feeding fry stage. However, in most
C Super dry method: Eggs are stripped into a sieve to breeding centers, activities in the hatching unit overlap
eliminate the egg fluid before the application of dry with those of the nursery. These two stages are regarded
fertilization method as the most delicate aspects of fish breeding. Hatching
and its survival depend largely on the efficient
The most popular method used is the dry method. In management of these stages. The management processes
this method, one or more female spawners are stripped. of the nursery unit are centered on adequate supply of
Few drops of milt solution are poured on the eggs. The good quality water, quality food acceptable to the fish and
sexual products are mixed by gently shaking the bowl. maintenance of good environmental sanitation.
Adding few drops of physiological saline solution can Newly hatched larva depends entirely on the yolk sac
facilitate mixing. An equal volume of clean water can be for energy, growth and development. When the yolk sac
added. The water and egg mass are thoroughly mixed by is virtually desorbed, the fish feeds on exogenous food.
gently shaking the bowl. The spermatozoa seize to Food selectivity and acceptability are very crucial factors
fertilize any egg after 60 sec. The micropyle also closes in the survival and development of “fry” and fingerlings.
which makes further fertilization impossible Fingerlings are four or more weeks old fry.
(Nwadukwe et al., 1991).
Larva separation from eggshell and spoiled eggs: The
Incubation and hatching: Fertilized eggs are incubated yolk sac contains high quality food reserve for growth and
in stagnant or running water in incubation troughs development of the lava. The hatchling weighs 1.0-1.5
containing small trays or boxes. These trays have a mg and measures 4 mm. They assemble in dark places on
the trough bottom. The separation of healthy larva from
perforated bottom made up of mosquito netting. The
egg ruminants and spoiled eggs is automatic when
incubator is filled with clean, well-oxygenated water, free
incubation is done in perforated trays. The trays can be
from plank tonic organism. The eggs are spread
removed as soon as hatching is complete and fish larva is
homogenously in one single layer in the incubation tray.
assembled under the incubation trays. Eggshells, dead
These trays are made in such a way that the eggs are
eggs, and deformed larva are removed by siphoning
continuously oxygenated by induced water current.
(Ayinla and Nwadukwe, 1988).
Fertilized eggs swell and become sticker when in contact
with water. His stickiness is strongest within 30-60 min Larval rearing: The technology employed for mass
interval but disappears with time at the end of the rearing of larva and fry in in-door facilities is the flow-
incubation period. Therefore, incubation is carried out through technique. This technique is based on the
promptly after fertilization. It should not be more than 60 following principles:
sec after mixing egg mass and water. Incubation period
changes with increasing temperature. At a temperature of C In-flowing water ensures water quality requirements
25ºC hatching takes place in 28-32 h after fertilization. It C In-flowing water permanently replaces used water
is 22-24 h at 30ºC. The hatching percentage is 80-90% C Out-flowing water removes the accumulated
when small quantities of eggs are incubated. The total of metabolic wastes and feed ruminants
70% of healthy larvae can be obtained through this C Fish assemble in small easily controllable areas
method of incubation.
The fertilized eggs develop normally if the incubation The device employed for egg incubation is similar to
conditions mentioned earlier are provided. However, it is that of larval rearing. The difference is the absence of
not mortality free. Three to five percent of the eggs die a incubation trays in the latter. Water level in the larval
few hours after incubation and a relatively higher rearing tank can be adjusted by changing the stand or turn
percentage during hatching. Higher mortalities are down pipe position. A fine mesh (1.00 mm) screen is
abnormal and can be caused by: placed diagonally anterior to the water outlet. The screen

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should be cleaned several times a day to prevent an over is difficult. A moderate hatchery needs a minimum of 0.1
flow of water from the rearing device and subsequent loss ha pond to produce the required quantity of zooplankton.
of young fish. The recommended water level in the larval Large quantities of zooplankton can be collected daily
rearing device ranges from 12 to 15 cm. with mesh plant net ranging from 100-150 mm mesh size.
Fish lava need well oxygenates water saturated with Artificial feed seem to be good for fry rearing. But,
air. The minimum required dissolved oxygen level is 5 its use requires constant cleaning of the concrete hatchery
mg and the optimum temperature for rearing ranges from troughs. Early fry must be fed six times a day between
22 to 30ºC. 6.00 am and 8.00 pm. Feeding the fry in every 3-4 h a day
is better. Mortality during the early fry stage is negligible
Larva nursing: Fish larvae become a feeding fry in 3-4 under optimum nursery management (Ayinla and
days interval when 70% of the yolk is absorbed. This can Nwadukwe, 1988).
be observed when the larvae begin vigorous swimming in
a fish like manner, searching for external food. The Advanced fry nursing: The early fry becomes advanced
presence of yolk at this stage ensures its survival because fry when metamorphosis is complete. The supra-
the fry need time to learn the processes of finding its food. branchial air chamber is filled with air. Young fish
accepts and grows well on artificial dry feeds. The
The fry finds adequate food quantitatively and
advanced fry are then transferred to nursery troughs. The
qualitatively to ensure its proper development, once the
transfer of advanced fry to the nursery trough is a delicate
yolk sac is fully absorbed. Otherwise, they are weakened procedure and must be done carefully by siphoning into
beyond recovery, which can stimulate cannibalism. a bucket. The content of this bucket can then, be gently
The development of major organs and completed released in the nursery device. The recommended
metamorphosis after 10-18 days marks the end of the dissolved oxygen level for advanced fry nursing is 3
early fry stage. During this time, the necessary air- mg/L.
breathing organs have developed and the fry frequently The feed must have the correct particle size (0.35-
rise to the surface to breathe atmospheric air. This is the 0.50 mm for fry ranging from 50-100 mg; 0.50-0.75 mm
beginning of advanced fry stage (Ayinla and for 100-250 mg and 0.75-1.25 mm for 250 mg-1.0 g). It
Nwadukwe, 1988). should be easily recognized chemically and optically by
Two nursing techniques are: the fish fry. The feed particle must be water stable to
reduce nutrient leaching. It should have a low moisture
C Nursing in indoor facilities commonly referred to as content to allow adequate storage. The complete range of
hatchery nursing; and nutrients required for fish fry should be present in each
C Nursing in out-door facilities commonly referred to particle.
as pond nursing. The fish fry accepts artificial diets from 10-18 days
after hatching. This change from live food items to
Hatchery Nursing: This involves the processes in artificial dry feed is a major turning point in the life of a
nursing from the early fry to advanced fry. nursed fish. The change can be gradual to enable the fish
adapt, recognize and accept artificial feeds. Therefore,
Early fry Nursing: This stage is very sensitive and the quality of artificial feed can be increased gradually
delicate, requiring a more precise and conscientious care. during the first week of artificial feeding. During this
time, the live food feeding can be proportionally reduced
Lack of suitable food and improper hygiene are main
and finally stopped. The advanced fry weighs a minimum,
causes of fish fry mortality. Feeding fry are kept in the
of 1g after 5 to 8 weeks. At this weight, they can be
incubator or larval rearing troughs. The farming condition
harvest and transferred to grow-out or fattening ponds. A
of early fry is similar to those for larvae.
survival rate of 70 to 80% can be obtained under optimum
management.
Clarias gariepinus fry can be nursed successfully with the
following feeds: Fry nursing in earthen ponds: Fry can be nursed to the
fingerling stage for the period of one month. The number
C Live zooplankton moina of ponds required depends on the productivity of the
C Live or frozen nauplic ponds and the quantity of fingerlings to be produced. A
C Decapsulated artemia eggs moderate fish seed production center aiming at an annual
production of one million fish fingerlings needs of 800 m2
A variety of artificial dry feeds are used for the of earthen nursery ponds is based on an estimated average
primary nursing of Clarias gariepinus. Feeding the fry production of 12,500 fingerlings per 100 m2 per year.
with zooplankton from neighbouring fresh water The size of the pond can vary from 200 to 1000m2.
fishponds seem to be the most reliable technique in Rectangular ponds ranging from 19 m×20 m to 25
Nigeria. This is because the importation of Artemia eggs m×40 m are good because this can facilitate seining.

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These ponds should have a water level of 50 to 100 cm. Ezeri, G.N., O.J. Olaoye and A.O. Agbon, 2009. Fish
Higher depths should be avoided in order to conserve fingerlings Production and management.
energy the fish would have used for swimming (Ayinla Aquacultural Media Resources and Extension Center,
and Nwadukwe, 1988). University of Abeokuta, pp: 36.
Fagbenro, O.A., A.A. Salami and D.H.J. Sydenham,
CONCLUSION 1991. Inducd ovulation and spawning in the catfish,
Clarias isheriensis using pituitary extracts from non
The vital requirements of fish hatchery, hatchery piscine sources. J. Appl. Aquacult., 1(4): 15-20.
construction, concrete tank construction, nursery, rearing Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), 2006. Year
and production ponds, fish seed hatchery, hormone in fish Book of Fishery Statistics-Summary Table. Retrieved
spawning, hypophysation, compounds used for induced
from: www.fao.org/fi/statist.asp.
breeding, hormone administration, spawning and rearing,
Hogendoorn, N., 1981. Controlld propagation of the
steps in artificial propagation, hatchery management,
nursery management are vital tools in effective hatchery African Catfish, Clarias lazera (C&V) IV. Ffects of
management and need to be adequately addressed in fish feeding regime in fingerlings culture. Aquaculture, 4:
culture. 123-131.
Makinde, O.O., 2001. The impact of artificial breeding of
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