Growth Dynamics of Achatina fulica in a Controlled Breeding Environment | InformativeBD

Boddis Zebaze Tsiguia,  Guegang Tekou, Fon Dorothy Engwali,  Mmira A Akohogni, Alexia Kévine Noubissi Chiassa,  Algrient Nana Towa, and Claudine Tekounegning Tiogué, from the institute of Cameroon. wrote a Research Article about, Growth Dynamics of Achatina fulica in a Controlled Breeding Environment . Entitled, Influence of temperature on survival, yolk utilization, growth, and morphometric anomaly rates in post-embryonic Clarias jaensis under controlled conditions. This research paper published by the International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR). an open access scholarly research journal on Agronomy. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract  

Captive breeding of Clarias jaensis remains limited due to a lack of knowledge regarding optimal temperature conditions to ensure larval survival and early development. This study evaluated the impact of different temperatures on survival, yolk absorption, linear growth, and the rate of morphometric anomalies in post-embryos. A total of 580 newly hatched post-embryos were evenly distributed in 10 trays, placed in pairs in five polyester tanks. Each tank was subjected to one of the five experimental temperatures: 22°C, 25°C, 27°C, 29°C, and 31°C. Survival and anomaly rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier test, while the evolution of yolk sac volume and larval length was studied using a one-factor ANOVA. The results show that the best survival rates were obtained at 25°C (96.5 ± 3.5%), 27°C (91.5 ± 6.4%), and 22°C (90 ± 2.8%). No survival was observed at 29°C and 31°C after three and two days post-hatching, respectively. Yolk absorption was significantly faster at 27°C (98.92 ± 0.58%), while differences in linear growth were not significant between 22°C, 25°C, and 27°C. The most frequent morphometric anomalies included pericardial edema, yolk edema, and skeletal deformities, with a lower malformation rate at 25°C (4.5%) compared to 22°C and 27°C. Based on these results, it is recommended to stabilize the breeding temperature at 25°C to maximize survival, and at 27°C to promote rapid growth and yolk absorption.

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Introduction

Clarias jaensis, an African catfish prized for its hardiness, rapid growth, and nutritional and cultural value, shows great potential for aquaculture (Angoni et al., 2016; Zango et al., 2016; Tiogue et al., 2020). However, despite this potential, mastering its rearing in controlled environments remains a major challenge, forcing fish farmers to rely on fry sourced from the wild (Pouomogne, 2008; Kenfack et al., 2019). This practice, in addition to limiting aquaculture production, places significant pressure on natural stocks, which are already weakened by overfishing and climate change. The provision of sufficient fry to meet the growing demand of fish farmers, therefore, depends on mastering the complete life cycle of C. jaensis, particularly its larval development in controlled conditions. Temperature is a key environmental factor in the early development of fish, significantly influencing their survival, growth, and morphogenesis (Cahu et al., 2003; Fontaine and Le Bail, 2004; Gatesoupe et al., 1999). The embryonic and larval stages, which are particularly vulnerable to environmental fluctuations, are especially sensitive to thermal variations. Understanding the influence of temperature on larval development is essential for optimizing farming practices and ensuring successful production in captivity. Previous studies on other Clariidae species, such as C. gariepinus (Legendre and Teugels, 1991; Chebel et al., 2005) and Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Olaniyi and Omitogun, 2013, 2014), have highlighted the significant impact of temperature on larval survival, growth, and development. However, the specific thermal tolerance of C. jaensis remains largely unknown. This study aims to fill this gap by rigorously evaluating the influence of temperature on the survival, yolk absorption, growth, and occurrence of morphometric anomalies in C. jaensis postembryos. By exposing the larvae to different temperatures in a controlled environment, we aim to identify the optimal thermal range that promotes their development and to understand the underlying mechanisms of the observed effects. The results of this research will have a dual impact. On one hand, they will provide basic information for improving the farming practices of C. jaensis in captivity, allowing for the adaptation of incubation and larval rearing conditions to maximize survival, growth, and fry quality. On the other hand, they will contribute to a better understanding of the biology of this species and its sensitivity to temperature variations, which is essential for the sustainable management of its natural populations in the face of climate change challenges.

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Source : Influence of temperature on survival, yolk utilization, growth, and morphometric anomalyrates in post-embryonic Clarias jaensis under controlled conditions