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The catfishes are a group of economically important freshwater fish in China, which in recent years have suffered heavy losses as a result of bacterial outbreaks. In this study, we examined the diversity of the microbiome of infected skin mucus of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and analyzed the bacterial pathogens. We found several common pathogenic bacteria, such as Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., Moraxella spp. and Proteus spp. present in both fish species, but with significantly different bacterial community structures. We isolated and cultured Aeromonas veronii and Proteus mirabilis and validated their infectivity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and yellow catfish. Intraperitoneal injection of either bacteria into zebrafish, but not immersion, caused 100% mortality and ovary fragmentation. Yellow catfish was more sensitive than zebrafish with 100% mortality in the immersion challenges with A. veronii or P. mirabilis, and with a higher abundance of A. veronii in the P. mirabilis-challenged group compared to control. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the pathogenicity of P. mirabilis in yellow catfish, and the results will help to develop effective strategies for the disease prevention and control in catfish farming.

Chrysichthys is a widely distributed catfish in all inland and coastal water bodies and is one of the important commercial catfish families in Lake Nasser, Egypt. A total of 1176 Chrysichthys auratus specimens were collected from Lake Nasser during monthly catches in 2019. Total length (TL) ranged from 13 to 31 cm (mean 22.0 ± 3.0 cm), and total weight ranged from 23.1 to 320.2 g (mean 133.5 ± 52.2 g). For males, females, and combined sexes, the length–weight relationship revealed negative allometric growth. The condition factor values were highest during May for males, females, and combined sexes, and all values were >1.0, indicating that the fish were in good condition. Three age groups were identified from the data, with mean TLs of 19.16, 23.18, and 26.21 cm, as determined using vertebral growth rings. The growth constants of von Bertalanffy were calculated as L∞ = 35.43 cm TL, K = 0.41 y−1, and to = − 1.7. The growth performance index was 2.55, and longevity was 9 y. The using of vertebrae was validated to age determination of C. auratus. These findings will contribute to assess the fishery status and fisheries management of C. auratus in Lake Nasser.

The objective of the study was to determine the comparative toxicities and immune dysfunction in the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) and its two analogues; bisphenol AP (BPAP) and bisphenol P (BPP). Juveniles of C. gariepinus were exposed to sublethal concentrations (70 and 140 μg/L) of BPA, BPAP and BPP for 7, 14, or 21 days after which various endpoints which are indicative of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, haematological and innate immune parameters were determined in the liver homogenates or blood plasma. The exposure of C. gariepinus to BPA and its analogues caused significant increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase, catalase and superoxide dismutase. The exposed fish had increased levels of DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation, white blood cells, nitric oxide and respiratory burst while the red blood cells counts and the percentage packed cell volume decreased significantly in the exposed fish compared to control. The toxic effects elicited by the bisphenols were both concentration- and duration-dependent. Generally, BPA exerted the most toxic effects on the fish, followed by BPAP while BPP exerted the least toxic effect effects to C. gariepinus. Summarily, the findings indicated that BPA and its two analogues studied in the research are capable of causing cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and immune dysfunction in C. gariepinus.

The stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1974) is a commercially important fish species in Asia. This is an important food fish as is enriched with high amounts of protein, iron and calcium. The current research demonstrates the population structure, size at sexual maturity, spawning- and peak-spawning season and fecundity of H. fossilis in an important wetland ecosystem - Gajner Beel in northwestern Bangladesh with an aim of its sustainable conservation through induced breeding and aquaculture practices. A total of 426 stinging catfish captured from the Gajner Beel through monthly sampling from January to December 2019 used in the study. Total length (TL), standard length (SL) and body weight (BW) of individual fishes were measured. The size ranges were with 6.70–24.10 cm TL, 1.37–83.94 g BW. Gonads were removed carefully through ventral dissection and weighted. Lm was 14.02, 13.5, 13.0 and 15.0 cm based on maximum length (Lmax), TL vs. GSI (%), TL vs. SL and logistic model, respectively. Monthly variations of GSI and maturation stages were confirmed in April to August as spawning season and June as peak spawning month. Fulton’s condition factor (KF) was found to be with significant relations with GSI values. Fecundity was 1,730 to 23,870 and significantly correlated with both TL and BW. Temperature has been increasing 0.029 °C/year with the falling of rainfall at 2.96 mm/year in the study area. Environmental factors -Temperature, rainfall, dissolved oxygen and pH were found to be significantly correlated with GSI. We found the optimal range of temperature (29–31 °C), rainfall (350–380 mm), dissolved oxygen (5.0–6.0 mg/l) and pH (7.1–7.5) for spawning of H. fossilis. The paper recommended the policy guidelines to pave the ways of the aquaculture, conservation and management of H. fossilis in the changing eco-climatic events through specific management measures.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T17:22:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-12-03 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) PNPD grant (GSCS) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Rineloricaria is a genus of armored catfish encompassing 67 valid species that are widely distributed throughout the Neotropical region. A new species of Rineloricaria is described from the Paranaiba River, Upper Parana River basin, southeastern Brazil. Rineloricaria rodriquezae sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: caudal-fin color pattern with basal dark spot and subterminal dark bar on branched rays interspersed with a hyaline area; five series of lateral plates with two keeled in the mid-dorsal series around the insertion of the first ray of dorsal fin; and unbranched caudal-fin ray extended as long filaments. Univ Santo Amaro, Posgrad Med vet, Labvet, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Lab Biol & Genet Peixes, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Lab Ictiol, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Lab Biol & Genet Peixes, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Lab Ictiol, Botucatu, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2009/50613-3-GJCS FAPESP: 2018/20610-1 FAPESP: 2016/09204-6 FAPESP: 2014/26508-3 CNPq: 306054/2006-0

Various fisheries and aquacultural practices such as handling, transportation, tagging and so on stress fish. To minimise the stress, fish should be anaesthetise using agents that is safe, cheap in cost and extraction, effective and readily available and which should induce anaesthesia and recovery within few minutes as compared to synthetic anaesthetics. This study investigated the efficacy of tobacco leaves extract (Nicotiana tabacum) as an anaesthetic agent on Clarias gariepinus juveniles and adults. Ethanolic extracts of the leaves at 50 mg L−1, 100 mg L−1, 150 mg L−1 and 200 mg L−1 were used to anaesthetise juveniles and adults of the fish in order to vary the effects of increasing concentrations on the fish. Least induction time in juveniles was 166.72 ±7.15s recorded in 200 mg L−1, while highest induction time of 476.32 ±3.29s was in 50 mg L−1. In adult, least induction time was 440.99 ±2.42s in 200 mg L−1 concentration, and highest was 916.75 ±6.65s in 50.00 mg L−1. Highest and lowest recovery times in juveniles were 1078.68 ±19.80s and 751.21 ±7.65s in 200 mg L−1 and 50.00 mg L−1 respectively. In adult, least recovery time was 361.83 ±5.14s in 50.00 mg L−1, while 200.00 mg L−1 produced the highest recovery time at 548.45 ±7.78s. 200 mg L−1 concentration of tobacco extract was the effective concentration, as it induces anaesthesia within 3 minutes and recovery within 9 minutes with no mortality. These high induction and recovery times may be due to scalessness and well vascularised skin of the fish and its high body lipid content which make nicotine to diffuse faster in and out of the body. 200.00 mg L−1 ethanolic extracts of tobacco leaves could be used to anaesthetise fish as it is safe, low cost in terms of purchase and extraction, readily available, biodegradable (without residual effect), eco-friendly and efficient. It can serve as an alternative to expensive, toxic, scarce MS-222 or clove oil in fisheries and aquaculture.

Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is one of the important fish species in the world, which is widely cultured in several countries worldwide including Egypt. Aeromonas hydrophila infection showed a high prevalence in the farmed striped catfish negatively affecting its production causing economic loss. Therefore, the finding of functional feed supplements with antimicrobial activity is urgently needed. The use of marine seaweeds as feed supplements has produced satisfactory results as antibacterial agents. Accordingly, the present study was designed to evaluate the dietary effects of seaweeds mixture (Ulva lactuca, Jania rubens, and Pterocladia capillacea) extract (SME) on the growth performance, haemato-chemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, immune indices, and resistance of striped catfish fry against A. hydrophila infection. Four isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) diets were prepared to contain 0.0% (control), 1%, 2%, and 3% SME and were fed to striped catfish fry (1.7 ± 0.1 g) up to apparent satiety three times a day for 60 days. After the feeding trial, fish of each treatment were intraperitoneally injected with a virulent A. hydrophila strain and the relative percentage of survival (RPS) was recorded. The growth-stimulating activity of dietary SME was observed especially at 2% and 3% SME treatments. Similarly, haematological parameters (red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and white blood cells) and serum protein profile (total protein, albumin, and globulin) were significantly (P 0.05) improved, meanwhile serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases were significantly (P 0.05) decreased in fish fed with 2 and 3% SME diets. Serum creatinine and uric acid levels revealed no significant (P 0.05) differences among the experimental groups. Hepatic malondialdehyde and serum nitrous acid levels were significantly decreased; meanwhile hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly increased in all SME-treated groups than the control one. Also, SME supplementations significantly increased the serum lysozyme, total immunoglobulin, and complement C3 activities with highest values at 2% and 3% SME treatments. Interestingly, after bacterial challenge, fish fed SME-supplemented diet were more resistant with the lowest fish mortality (15%) at the 3% SME diet, which exhibit the highest RPS (81.9%). Meanwhile the control group showed highest mortality (85%). According to the regression fitting curve, the current study recommends using the dietary SME with optimum levels of 2.25-2.5% to improve the growth performance, welfare status, and resistance of striped catfish fry against A. hydrophila infection.

Saudi journal of biological sciences 28(12), 7241-7247 (2021). doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.08.023, Published by Elsevier, Amsterdam [u.a.]

The development of bighead catfish (Clarias macrocephalus) aquaculture in Viet Nam has been constrained by the slow growth performance in the domesticated strain. Crossbreeding can be a solution to improve fish production. This study was aimed to evaluate the growth and survival performance of the second generation (G2) fingerlings crossbreeds (CMCT and CTCM) from two bighead catfish strains (wild Ca Mau, CM, and domesticated Can Tho, CT) compared to offspring from their original strains (G0-CT and G0-CM) and G1 crossbreeds (♀CM × ♂CT and ♀CT × ♂CM). The larvae were reared in 50-L tanks (3 to 5 replications) with the density of 1,000 individuals/tank and fed with Moina and artificial feed (40% protein). After 40 days of rearing, the fish grew differently among crosses (P0.05). The performance of these crossbreeds should be investigated further at the grow-out stage to see whether crossbreeding between wild and cultured strains of bighead catfish may be used in practice to increase bighead catfish production.

This is aimed at studying the aeration kinetics of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) smoked directly with biogas. Five live fresh fishes (Clarias gariepinus) were obtained from Fishery and Aquaculture Technology Department in FUTA, Ondo State, Nigeria at the age of 4 months with average weight of 900g each. The fishes were killed, de-gutted, thoroughly washed with water, cut into pieces of 3cm length. The chunks were laid in a single layer on a mesh directly exposed to biogas flame obtained from bio-decomposition of poultry waste and the weight was being monitored at 15 minutes interval until constant weight was observed. The study showed that the time taken for drying of Clarias gariepinus to reach the humidity point of around 12.43% (db.) was two and a half hours. The drying data was subjected to 10 thin-layer drying models. The compared the performances of the models using the determination of coefficient (R2), reduced chi­square (x2) and root mean square error (RMSE) between the calculated and predicted moisture ratios. The results showed that Henderson and Pabis modified model (highest R2 and lowest x2 and RMSE of 0.998, 0.00021 and 0.01386 respectively) was found to satisfactorily describe the biogas drying curves of Clarias gariepinus.

The microflora of smoked catfish (Clarias gariepinus) sold in some abattoirs in Bayelsa and Rivers States were investigated. Smoked catfish samples were purchased within abattoirs and aseptically transported in ice-packed coolers to the laboratory. The total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform, total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria, total fungi and hydrocarbon utilizing fungal counts and identification of isolates from samples were analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Mean values of counts obtained showed that total heterotrophic bacteria ranged from 5.4 × 106CFU/g to 4.0 × 105CFU/g, total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria ranged from 1.5 × 104 to 1.0 × 103CFU/g, total coliform ranged from 1.7 × 106CFU/g to 0, total fungi ranged from 4.3 × 104 CFU/g to 1.2 × 104CFU/g and total hydrocarbon utilizing fungi ranged from 3.5 × 103CFU/g to 1.1 × 103CFU/g. Kruskal Walis H test showed no significant differences (P≤0.05) in the total heterotrophic bacterial load nor in the total fungal load in the locations. Bacteria identified are Bacillus sp, Enterobacter sp, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Salmonella sp., and Shigella species. Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp and Micrococcus sp., were isolated in all the samples. Salmonella sp and Shigella sp occurred in Igbogene and Swale samples. Bacillus sp recorded the highest occurrence (34%) while Enterobacter sp. and Micrococcus sp recorded the least (7%). Bacteria with hydrocarbon utilizing potentials with percentage occurrence were Bacillus sp (70%) and Pseudomonas sp (30%). Fungi isolated were Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium sp, Fusarium sp., and Rhizopus sp. Aspergillus species recorded the highest frequency (36.0%) while Rhizopus sp recorded the least (9.83%). Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp and Penicillium sp were isolated from all the samples. Penicillium sp recorded hydrocarbon utilizing the potential and the highest percentage of occurrence (35.89%). The presence of a high microbial load of pathogenic bacteria and known mycotoxin producing fungi in the smoke-dried catfish are of great public health significance.

Ginseng (Ge) is one of the most famous and precious consumed herbal medicines around the world. Ge plant roots have many advantages regarded as important in increasing fish production. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the possibility of using different levels (0.0, 100, and 200 mg/kg diet) of Ge as a reproductive enhancer agent for African catfish, Clarias gariepinus males. Results revealed that fish fed 200 mg Ge/kg diet significantly (P ˂ 0.05) increased growth performance, feed efficiency, gonado-somatic index, hematological parameters, serum follicle-stimulating hormone, total antioxidant capacity, sperm quality parameters, and ultrastructure of spermatozoa, as well as led to positively improved of the histological structure of the testes tissue compared to other treatments. Based on the obtained findings, it could be concluded that the effective use of dietary Ge at a level of 200 mg/kg as a promising reproductive agent for adult African catfish males consequently led to the sustainability of aquaculture for African catfish.

Movement is a basic feature of fish ecology, being related to dispersal, recolonization, and recovery of local populations after disturbance. Non-migratory species are the main component of stream fish communities, especially in the Neotropics, but there is little information on the characteristics of their movement. In this capture-recapture study, we describe the individual movement of the armored catfish Rineloricaria aequalicuspis in a stream in southern Brazil. We also assess whether this species displays heterogeneous movement, as well as its degree of mobility and the relationship between individual fish movement and body size and local habitat characteristics. Data on individual fish positions were obtained monthly from November 2018 to March 2019, in ten 20-m stream sections along a 430-m stream stretch. Individual fish were captured by kick sampling and measured, photographed (for later photo-identification), and released back to the stream. The movement frequency distribution was moderately leptokurtic (kurtosis = 3.31), indicating heterogeneous movement with two groups of individuals, stationary and mobile. The maximum movement distances were 248 m and 208 m, downstream and upstream, respectively, while the mean movement distance was 98.6 m. Density of individuals was the main factor affecting the probability of movement, suggesting a role for resource availability and intraspecific interactions. The heterogeneous movement pattern observed for R. aequalicuspis indicates that intra-populational variability in movement behavior occurs in non-migratory stream species, which have been often assumed to be either sedentary or mobile species. We highlight that sedentary behavior should not be assumed a priori for stream fishes, not even for those species usually considered to be of low mobility, as many loricariids.

The contamination of the aquatic ecosystem beyond tolerable limits may pose serious health challenges to its components. This study evaluated the toxic effects of a binary mixture of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) compounds on the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase in tissues of Clarias gariepinus in a controlled aquatic system. The study employed Box-Behnken Design (BBD) with 17 runs in which Pb and Zn concentrations were considered process variables in a time-dependent fashion. Metal exposure levels consisted of 0, 10 and 20% of 96 h-LC50 of Pb (55.12 mg/L) and Zn (32.15 mg/L) for three weeks. Thereafter, membrane-bound Na+/K+-ATPase activity was assessed in gill, hepatic and renal tissues, and data generated from the BBD were used for the development of models. Three regression models were obtained, for gill, hepatic and renal Na+/K+-ATPase activities with exposure to metals differ significantly (p 90%, and no significant lack of fit (p > 0.05) was observed in each case. Congruent to the synergistic interactions observed between Pb and Zn in the study, the gill and hepatic Na+/K+-ATPase activities were significantly inhibited, whereas renal Na+/K+-ATPase activity was significantly stimulated (p

This study aimed to determine the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters of sulfadiazine (SDZ) in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) following oral gavage and intravenous injection. The healthy channel catfish were orally and intravenously administrated with SDZ solution at doses of 50 and 5 mg/kg, respectively. Plasma samples were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector. The results demonstrated that the concentration-time profile of SDZ after oral dosing was best described by a one-compartmental open model with first-order absorption. The absorption half-life (t1/2Kα ), the elimination half-life (t1/2Ke ), and the area under concentration-time profile (AUC0-∞ ) were estimated to be 0.87 h, 29.04 h, and 1311.72 mg.h/L, respectively. After intravenous administration, the concentration-time curve of SDZ conformed to a two-compartmental open model without absorption. The distribution half-life (t1/2α ), the elimination half-life (t1/2β ), the apparent distribution volume (Vss ), the total clearance (CL), and AUC0-∞ were calculated to be 0.19 h, 14.24 h, 0.36 L/kg, 0.018 L/h/kg, and 277.12 mg.h/L, respectively. Finally, the bioavailability was estimated to be 47.33%. This study will provide some useful information for the modification of the dosage form of SDZ in aquaculture, and is partly beneficial for appropriate use of SDZ in the future.

Caffeine is a contaminant frequently detected in water bodies. Growth trends in both human population and caffeine consumption per capita are expected to exacerbate the occurrence of caffeine in freshwaters. Yet the effects of caffeine on native fish fauna are poorly understood. We exposed larvae of an endemic Neotropical catfish (Rhamdia quelen) to a range of caffeine concentrations for 30 days. We found that larvae exposed to the highest concentration (16 mg L−1) showed skeletal deformations and reduced growth. We further compiled measured environmental concentrations of caffeine in surface freshwater globally and performed a risk assessment. Our analysis points to a low risk to R. quelen and equally sensitive fish species in ~90% of the freshwater ecosystems considered in our analysis. The risk quotient is higher in freshwater ecosystems of South and Central America, where R. quelen is endemic. Although the ecotoxicological risk is currently low in most places, increased caffeine consumption, exacerbated by the lack of sanitation, is expected to increase caffeine concentrations in many parts of the world, posing a threat of sublethal morphological effects to local fish species.

Five new species of Glyptothorax are described from Iran. Glyptothorax alidaeii, new species, from the Seimare in the Karkheh drainage, G. galaxias, new species, from the upper Karun drainage, G. hosseinpanahii, new species, from the Zohreh drainage, G. pallens, new species, from the Sirvan drainage, and G. shapuri, new species, from Shapur in the Helleh drainage. Glyptothorax silviae from the Jarrahi drainage is re-diagnosed. All six species are morphologically distinguishable by the structure of the thoracic adhesive apparatus, as well as morphometric characters and details in the colour pattern. They form distinct mitochondrial clades between 1.2% and 4.1% minimum K2P distance based on the mitochondrial DNA barcode region.

Catfish have become an important contributor to fish production in Indonesia. Catfish consumption in Indonesia always increases every year. To meet the demand for catfish consumption, it was carried out with an intensive aquaculture system. However, the high cost of feed has been identified as a significant constraint in catfish farming. Efforts to increase catfish growth are needed to reduce feed costs, one of the efforts is by probiotic supplementation through the feed. This study was carried out to determine the best dose of probiotic rabal dried addition to increasing catfish growth. The experiment used four treatments and three replications. Probiotic rabal dried doses: 0% of feed (A)/feed (control), 5% of feed (B), 10% of feed (C), and (D) 15% of were used as treatment. The feed was given ad-satiation with a frequency of feeding three times a day. Observations were made for 45 days. The results indicated that the B treatment of 5% of feed gave the best absolute weight growth and feed conversion ratio. While catfish fish survival rate was not significantly different on all treatments.

Catfish which is an important component of global freshwater aquaculture production is also prone to a wide range of diseases resulting in economic losses. Improvement of the immune status of catfish is a promising preventive approach to control disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fermented earthworms as a feed additive on the non-specific immune response of walking catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Earthworms were fermented by inoculation with a bacterial mixture of Bacillus spp. and Lactococcus raffinolactis. The study featured a completely randomized design, with five treatments in quadruplicate. The various treatments consisted of fermented earthworms supplemented (FE) at at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% (w/w). Catfish with an average weight of 15 g were stocked at a density of 50 fish per 50 L/tank, reared for 2 months, and fed thrice a day at a feeding rate of 3% of total boby weight. The parameters observed included phagocytic activity (PA), phagocytic index (PI), extracellular respiratory burst, leucocyte differentiation, super oxide dismutase (SOD), natural agglutination, leucocrit, and hematocrit. Results showed that that FE supplemented at 2.5% significantly increased the respiratory burst activity, hematocrit, PA, PI, SOD, and leucocyte differentiation (P

Morphometrics and fish bodyweight studies have shown great importance in estimation of productivity and stock assessment for some fish species. Herein, the aim of this study was to identify the morphometric parameter(s) that has most direct correlation with bodyweight of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The experimental layouts were four groups of experimental units, each group was replicated twice. Morphometric parameters considered in this study were total length, standard length, head length, head width and snout length. Data collected were processed and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analyses at 5% significant level. Results revealed significantly high correlations between bodyweight and morphometric parameters, with values ranging from 0.834 to 0.977 (upper and lower limits for total and snout lengths respectively). The results further revealed that relationship between bodyweight and morphometric parameters followed third-degree polynomial, with R2 ranging from 0.700 to 0.969 (upper and lower limits for total and snout lengths respectively). Significant high correlations (>0.85) exist between morphometric parameters selected for this study. In conclusion, in sampling programs of African catfish where the aim is to select fishes with high bodyweights, emphasis should be given to fishes with highest total length.

The spotted catfish, Arius maculatus (Thunberg, 1792), is a euryhaline fish that is economically important in the Indo-West Pacific. Population dynamics studies and stock assessments of this species have focused on marine stocks, but not those from fresh water. In this study, the age and growth of A. maculatus were, therefore, investigated for the inland stock in Songkhla Lake, Thailand. A total of 213 individuals ranging between 35 and 238 mm TL were used. The length–weight relation indicated positive allometry of this population. Three hard parts (otolith, dorsal- and pectoral-fin spines) were used for aging. The marginal increment ratio confirmed that an annulus was deposited once a year in all three hard parts. All of the samples were aged between 0+ and 6+ years. Verification of age estimates from three readers showed that the otolith was the most suitable part for age estimation. Three growth models (von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and logistic) were applied in the study. The von Bertalanffy model best described the growth of this fish in Songkhla Lake. The obtained asymptotic length was 290.87 mm TL and the relative growth rate parameter was 0.166 year–1. Our results will be applied as inputs for fish stock assessment models. The obtained growth parameters also can serve as a reference for A. maculatus stocks elsewhere.

Background Helminth infection and infestation in fishes are detrimental and have a major effect on fish health and fish production. Among various factors, parasitic infections are known to modulate antioxidant defences in fish. Similar to other aerobic animals, fish are also susceptible to the effect of reactive oxygen species and thus have well established intrinsic and efficient antioxidant defences. ‘Oxidative stress markers are an important indicator of the physiological state of the parasite and its host’. Indian catfish, Wallago attu is a freshwater fish that serves as the definitive host of the adult piscine trematode Isoparorchis hypselobagri. Our two years prevalence data signifies the intensity of the problem revealing a minimum of 5.5% and a maximum of 54% I. hypselobagri infection in Indian catfish W. attu (unpublished data). The present study aimed to achieve baseline data attributed to changes in some oxidative markers due to parasitic infection. Results During the present study, the level of enzyme activities of Catalase (CAT), Glutathione reductase (GR), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipid peroxidation was investigated to explore the pathogenic impact on the fish host. The level of these oxidative stress markers was monitored in the swim bladder, liver, intestine and muscle of the host. We also recorded the enzyme activities in the parasite I. hypselobagri. Analysis of data revealed an elevation in GST, SOD, GR, GPx and CAT activity in the infected host tissue as compared to the non-infected fish. Further, we observed presence of GST, SOD, GR and GPx enzymes in the parasite I. hypselobagri while CAT did not show any enzyme activity. Conclusions Increased level of enzyme activity in liver, muscle and intestine of infected host has been recorded which indicates increased oxidative stress in the host due to parasitic invasion. The presence of antioxidant enzymes in the parasites suggests an active antioxidant defence system to avoid immune responses to long term survival and establishment in their host.

Aquaculture industry in Malaysia involves culture of many fish species of either fresh or brackish water origin and among the important fish species are Snakehead, Tilapia and Catfish. There is a substantial culture of these fish in Malaysia nowadays, though there are not one hundred percent native fish species but their presence in Malaysia is getting closer to over several decades and for almost a decade now, these species had been among the highest finfish produced in either fresh or brackish waters. As the global aquaculture production continue growing in order to meet up with ever increasing fish demand, especially as fish from capture has levelled off and makes an increase in aquaculture production as the only hope to meet the demand for fish, one of suggested ways in culturing them is by venturing into integrated fish farming. Integrated fish farming of different species is a practice which links together two or more normally separate farming systems, whereby the fish from different species become subsystems of a whole farming system. Although integrated fish farming may not be huge globally based on the available official statistical data but it is becoming important industry in Malaysia and neighboring countries. This review discussed briefly about the integrated fish farming of three commercially popular species (Snakehead, Tilapia and Catfish) in Malaysia and neighboring countries.

Background : The prevalence of anemic pregnant women in Indonesia in 2018 was still high which was at 48.9%. Pregnant women are vulnerable to nutritional problems and other diseases, including being infected with the Covid-19 virus. One of the preventive measures is to eat nutritious foods such as foods that are a source of antioxidants. The use of crackels (catfish crackers and Moringa) as an alternative snack for pregnant women is the right step because crackels contain high nutrients. The research objectives were to develop crackels, to analyze the nutritional content and their organoleptic quality. Methods : This research is an experimental study with substitution treatment of Moringa leaf flour towards catfish crackers conducted at the Laboratory of Mitra Indonesia University and State Polytechnic of Lampung. Six treatments were done with four repetitions. Data analysis used Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS for windows version 20. The tests used were non-parametric statistical tests, Anova, and paired sample t test. Result : Crackels formula that has been developed with the best acceptance and quality was formula F1 (3.49) which was derived from the addition of 10 grams of Moringa leaf flour and 30 grams of catfish flour. The best nutritional content of crackels is namely, energy 403 kcal, protein 21.3%, fat 15%, carbohydrates 45.7%, iron 8.32 mg/100g, calcium 29.6 mg/100g, sodium 672 mg/100g, and antioxidants indicated by % inhibition ranging from 32- 35% and IC50 value of 68.34%. Conclusion : The best crackels was the crackels which contain 10 grams of Moringa leaf flour and 30 grams of catfish which are effective as sources of antioxidants for pregnant women with antioxidants indicated by % inhibition ranging from 32- 35% . Keywords : anemic pregnant mother, antioxidant, catfish, crackers, moringa

To reveal the impact of dietary fiber (DF) on the bile acid (BA) profiles of fish, yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) were fed a diet containing 300 g kg-1 dextrin (CON diet, control) or pectin (a type of soluble DF, PEC diet) for 7 days, and then the BA profiles were analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS. A total of 26 individuals of BAs were detected in the fish body, with 8, 10, 14, and 22 individuals of BAs detected in the liver, serum, bile, and hindgut digesta, respectively. The conjugated BAs (CBAs) of fish were dominated by taurine CBAs (TCBAs). The concentrations of free BAs (FBAs) and the value of FBAs/CBAs in the bile of fish fed the PEC diet were nearly 5 and 7 times higher, respectively than those in fish fed the CON diet. The value of glycine CBAs/TCBAs in the liver, serum and bile of fish fed the PEC diet was significantly lower, and in the hindgut digesta was higher than that of fish fed the CON diet (P < 0.05). These results suggested that dietary pectin greatly changed the BA profiles of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, attributed to inhibition of reabsorption of BAs. Therefore, attention should be paid to the impact on BA homeostasis when replacing fishmeal with DF-rich plant ingredients in the fish diet.

This study evaluates the feasibility of integration of the single-bud sugarcane and catfish farming system and the growth rate of both plants and fish. The observation started from September to November 2020. The design used was randomized with one factor. The treatments used were cultivation of single-bud sugarcane in polybags, hydroponic single-bud sugarcane cultivation, integration of single-bud sugarcane-catfish, and catfish cultivation. The results showed that the growth of sugarcane seedlings and the catfish indicate that the integrated cultivation system of sugarcane-catfish is feasible to apply. Such an integration system produces a better number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, and root length than the cultivation system of sugarcane seedlings in polybags. The weight of the canopy and the root of sugarcane seedlings in the integration system is also noticeable greater than the sugarcane seedlings cultivated in the polybag. In addition, the rate of catfish growth in the integration system is better than catfish's ordinary cultivation. Keywords: hydroponic, integration farming system, single bud sugarcane planting

In this study, striped catfish larvae were gradually exposed to the increase of different salinities, and then they reached the levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 psu after 10 days, followed by heat shock at 39 °C to determine stress tolerance. After the 10-day experiment, the survival rate of fish exposed to the 20 psu treatment was only 28.6 ± 4%, significantly lower than that of the other treatments. The results showed that the osmolality of the whole-body (WB) homogenate was gradually and significantly increased with salinity elevation, except in fish exposed to freshwater and 5 psu treatments, while there were no significant changes in WB Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Digestive enzymatic activities, i.e., pepsin, α-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, and leucine alanine peptidase (leu-ala) generally increased with salinity, but not aminopeptidase and trypsin. Lysozyme and peroxidase activities increased in fish larvae exposed to 15 and 20 psu. These increases proportionally improved growth performance, with the lowest and the highest final weights observed in fish reared at 0 psu (0.08 ± 0.03 g/larvae) and 20 psu (0.11 ± 0.02 g/larvae), respectively, although the average growth recorded at 20 psu could be biased by the high mortality in this group. Occurrence of skeleton deformities, such as in caudal vertebrae and branchiostegal rays, was significantly higher in fish exposed to the higher osmotic conditions (15.0 ± 1.2% and 10.3 ± 2.1% respectively at 0 psu vs. 31.0 ± 2.9% and 49.0 ± 5.6%, respectively at 15 psu). After the 12.5-h heat shock, survival rates significantly differed between treatments with the highest survival observed in fish submitted to 5 psu (68.9%), followed by those exposed to 0 (27%) and 10 (20%) while all fish died at 15 psu. These findings suggest that the striped catfish larvae could be reared in salinity up to 5 to 10 psu with a higher survival and tolerance to thermal stress when compared to fish maintained in freshwater.

Influence of three cage shapes viz (i) rectangular ii) square, and (iii) circular on growth and production of Mystus cavasius (local name: gulsha) was studied in earthen pond conditions for a period of 120 days. Each of nine cages, which were made of polyethylene nets, had same internal area (1.80 m3) and stocked with M. cavasius fry at the rate of 300 m-3, following a completely randomized design. Fishes were fed with a commercial floating pellet feed (Mega 002) initially at the rate of 25% of average body weight, with a gradual reduction to 8%. Significantly higher (P0.05) AWG of 10.29 ± 0.10 and 10.43 ± 0.25 g with survival rate of 80 and 83.61%, respectively. A significantly higher (P0.05) in rectangular and square cages, respectively. In case of lengthweight relationship (LWR), the coefficient of determination values (r2) was 0.86, 0.90, and 0.85 in square, circular and rectangular cages, respectively indicating a good linear regression between length and weight in circular cages than square and rectangular cages. Taken together, these results indicate that circular cage is the best for growth, survival and production of gulsha culture in pond condition. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2020) 24(2): 59-68

Introductions of invasive non-native species (and their subsequent impacts) are recognized as a major threat to native flora and fauna. This is especially true in island ecosystems such as the tropical island of Martinique. In 2018, one such aquatic invasive species, the suckermouth catfish Hypostomus robinii (Loricariidae), was reported for the first time in two of the islands rivers. H. robinii is a popular freshwater aquarium fish and native to tropical and sub-tropical South America. Since its initial discovery, a growing number of populations have been found, suggesting a larger distribution of this species through Martinique's hydrographic network. Here, we developed a novel survey technique (utilizing environmental DNA) and conducted a widespread survey across the island to assess the distribution of this invasive species. We were able to detect H. robinii in 22% of sites surveyed (18 out of 83) via our eDNA-based assay. The presence of these fish was confirmed using traditional trapping at 14 of these sites. Additionally, we used occupancy modeling to investigate the impact of different environmental covariates on the detection efficiency of the novel assay and the potential impacts of false positives and negatives. We highlight a decrease in the detection probability when water volume filtered increases. That said, the eDNA-based method proves a useful tool for the detection of this invasive fish species and monitoring its spread for management purposes.

The large catfish Pseudoplatystoma punctifer plays an important role as a top predator in the Amazonian Basin ecosystem. The Madeira River is the largest tributary of the Amazon River marked by a series of rapids and waterfalls. Between 2011 and 2012 some of the rapids were submerged by two hydroelectric dams. Upstream and downstream of the rapids are two sub-basins Mamore/Guapore and lower Madeira, respectively. Using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers, we estimated genetic diversity, genetic differentiation, and gene flow between sub-basins and tested if the rapids functioned as barriers limiting the gene flow for this species of catfish. We identified three population clusters, one representing the individuals from the Mamore/Guapore sub-basin (upstream) and the other two representing the individuals from the lower Madeira sub-basin (downstream). The rapids restricted but did not block gene flow, which corroborates a clinal pattern of genetic differentiation.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of herbal extracts on the quality of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fillets throughout the storage period. Quality changes during ice storage of striped catfish fillets were studied after dip treatments in aqueous solutions of ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus (0.02% and 0.04%, w/v) or Euphorbia hirta (0.06% and 0.02%, w/v). The control (dipped in tap water) and the treated fish samples were analyzed periodically for total viable counts (TVC), peroxide value, physicochemical parameters (pH, texture), and sensory properties. Results indicated that Pseudomonas spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were absent in the raw fish fillets, reflecting the safety of raw materials regarding specific spoilage and psychrotrophic pathogenic microorganisms. Fish fillets dipped in 0.04% P. amarus extract solution displayed lower TVC values (4.76 log10 CFU/g) during the initial storage period compared to treatment with E. hirta extracts. Dip treatments in water containing P. amarus or E. hirta extracts significantly reduced the primary lipid oxidation in fish samples. In conclusion, the dip treatment in water containing 0.04% P. amarus or 0.06% E. hirta extract was effective to maintain a good sensory quality of the fish fillets and to prolong their shelf life up to 8 days under ice storage.

PURPOSE This study investigated the prevalence and molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in catfish (Clarias gariepinus). METHODS A total of 300 Carias gariepinus fish were collected from two freshwater sources: the Nile River (180) and drainage canals (120). The stomach and intestine epithelium of each individual fish sample were screened by modified Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) staining technique for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts followed by the serological survey for detection of Cryptosporidium antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and molecular characterization using complemented DNA polymerase chain reaction (cPCR). RESULTS ELISA showed higher prevalence of 69.3% than that prevalence obtained by mZN, 64% for the total examined Clarias gariepinus fish. Also, higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection 65.5% and 75.8% obtained by ELISA than 61.1% and 68.3% by mZN, in both fish groups from Nile River and Drainage canal, respectively. PCR analysis revealed the expected positive bands at 1056 bp. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis proved that the positive-PCR Cryptosporidium isolate identified in the present study was Cryptosporidium molnari. CONCLUSION Freshwater fishes (Clarias gariepinus) are subjected to a high infection rate with Cryptosporidium spp.; the drainage canals obtained fishes showed higher prevalence than that collected from Nile River which indicates an important public health problem and a potential risk of drainage canals in Egypt. ELISA showed higher prevalence of cryptosporidiosis than mZN, for the total examined Clarias gariepinus fish and phylogenetic analyses confirmed this protozoal organism to be a novel species of Cryptosporidium molnari.

This study assessed the activities of women in processing and preservation of catfish in Ijebu-Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. A three-stage random sampling technique was employed to select a total of 120 respondents for the study. The data collected were analysed with both descriptive statistics and correlation model. The mean age of the respondents was 54 years with a mean of nine years of catfish processing and preservation experience. The annual mean income was N107, 587.50. Findings also show that respondents’ levels of involvement in processing and preservation methods such as smoking and salting were high. There was a positive and significant relationship between respondents’ age (r= 0.003; p=0.034), annual income (r= 0.012; p=0.030), household size (r= 0.232; p=0.011) and their level of involvement in catfish preservation at 5% level of significance. The results of correlation analysis also show that a significant relationship exists between respondents’ perceived benefits and their level of involvement in catfish processing and preservation. The study concludes that, although the level of involvement of women in catfish preservation methods was high, low income was realized from the venture when compared with the minimum wage of N18,000 that government workers earn in the study area. It therefore recommends upgrading the methods and facilities used for the preservation and preserving catfish.

There are increasing levels of global cadmium (Cd2+) aquatic environmental pollution with untold consequences following either sudden exposure to large concentrations or prolong exposure to low doses. The investigation of sudden exposure to large concentrations of Cd2+ toxicities in exposed fish, especially in the hardy and adaptable Clarias gariepinus (C. gariepinus) with accessory breathing organs will further elucidate on its toxicity pathways given the spates of industrial accidents-induced environmental pollution. The experiment involved the use of 126 adult C. gariepinus exposed to various concentrations of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) over a 96-h period, in triplicates, following 14-day acclimatization period. Initial behavioral agitations progressed to depression, including signs of respiratory distress, neurotoxicity, and death in some of the exposed fish. A median lethal concentration (LC50) established for CdCl2 was 10.48 mgL−1 in the exposed adult C. gariepinus. The exposure caused sudden deterioration in fish water quality with severe gill cellular damage, which provoked variable hematological responses in the exposed fish. Cadmium chloride was more toxic to C. gariepinus adults than already reported for C. gariepinus fingerlings and juveniles based on the established LC50 values. Sudden exposure to large concentration of CdCl2 has the propensity to negatively impact fish health indirectly (changes in fish water quality) and directly (hemotoxicity and cellular damages).

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is a popular fish in the community because it provides a high level of protein at a low cost. The motile aeromonas septicemia (MAS) disease produced by Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) infection is one of the things that create difficulties in the cultivation of this fish. Synthetic antibiotics are commonly used in MAS disease control management efforts in fish farming, which have have an influence not only on fish but also on consumers. The application of probiotic Bacillus sp isolated from the digestive tract of catfish as a means of preventing the sickness is one option. Enzymatic tests (lipolytic, amylolytic, cellulolytic, proteolytic activity) and antagonist testing were used to assess the probiotic activity of the Bacillus sp isolates.

A new species of the candiru genus Paracanthopoma is described from the floodplains of the Bananal Island, a transition area between the Cerrado and Amazon, in the Araguaia River basin, central Brazil. Paracanthopoma cangussu sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners, Paracanthopoma parva and Paracanthopoma saci, by the presence of seven opercular odontodes, five dentary teeth, five median premaxillary teeth, and first dorsal-fin pterygiophore in a vertical through the centrum of the 23th or 24th vertebra. It is further distinguished from each congener by an exclusive combination of character states, comprising the number of vertebrae, number of precaudal vertebrae, number of dorsal procurrent caudal-fin rays, number of ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays, number of dorsal-fin rays, disposition of pores on the cephalic portion of the latero-sensory system, absence of an anterior process on the anterior margin of parieto-supraoccipital, number of dorsal-fin pteryigiophores and number of interopercular odontodes. Although vandelliines are known for being exclusively hematophagous, with guts gorged with blood, two cleared and stained specimens of P. cangussu sp. nov. had Chironomidae larvae (Insecta) on their guts. Because most specimens of P. cangussu sp. nov. were collected with stomachs filled with blood, it was hypothesized that the species feeds accidentally or occasionally on insects.

Biochemical assay, microbial load determination, and sensory evaluation of Egyptian Catfish fillets were examined during frozen storage at -18 oC up to 12 months. The initial chemical composition of Catfish fillet was moisture 73.01%, protein 80.96%, Crude oil 09.52%, crude ash 7.30%, and total carbohydrate 2.11%. The frozen storage process showed a significant effect on the chemical composition of studied Catfish fillets. pH and WHC values were decreased significantly whereas the TVBN and TBA values significantly increased in Catfish fillets with prolong of storage period. The microbial activities decreased during frozen storage. The total bacterial counts were 4.10, 2.11 and 2.71 (cfu×103/g) in the zero, 6 and 12 months for frozen Catfish fillets, respectively. All sensory characteristics except taste and overall acceptability were significantly decreased at the end of the storage period. This study is highly significant to fulfil the consumer issue concerning the time it takes to preserve Catfish fillets without damaging public health in domestic freezers.

Striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalamus is one of the intensive cultured commodities. Disease outbreak becomes inevitable to prevent in a fish culture. One of the most frequent disease occurred in striped catfish is the motile aeromonas septicemia (MAS) disease caused by Aeromonas hydrophila. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 1% dietary cinnamon powder and 0.5% dietary cinnamon leaf extract on the immune response of striped catfish challenged with A. hydrophila. Striped catfish used in this study sizing of 5.80 ± 0.21 g. This study contained two phases, namely in vitro and in vivo tests. In vitro test contained inhibition zone and antibacterial tests, which demonstrates that 1% cinnamon powder and 0.5% cinnamon leaf extract are effective to inhibit A. hydrophila activity. In vivo test contained four treatments, i.e fish fed with 1% cinnamon leaf powder supplemented diet; 0.5% cinnamon leaf extract supplemented diet, positive control diet, and negative control diet. Each treatment was performed in three replications. The result showed that 1% cinnamon leaf powder supplemented diet obtained the best results to enhance the immune response of striped catfish higher survival rate value at 83.33% than the positive control diet (P

This research aims to determine the effect of fine bubble technology with different pressures on Siamese catfish seed's growth and feed efficiency in an aquaponic system. This research used a completely randomized design with four treatments and three replications. Treatment A (Control), Treatment B (FBs with a pressure of 4.5 atm), Treatment C (FBs with a pressure of 5 atm and treatment D (FBs with a pressure of 5.5 atm). The parameters observed were Specific Growth Rate, Feed Conversion Ratio, water quality (temperature, pH, DO, and ammonia), and plant productivity. The seeds used were catfish seeds aged 16-36 days, 1-2 inches long, and weighed 0.26-0.29 grams. The container used is a fiber tub of 16 units with a size of 70 cm x 70cm x 70 cm. The feed used is commercial feed PF 1000 content crude protein 35%. The data were analyzed using variance with the F test at the 95% confidence level. The best treatment for catfish growth was treatment D (pressure 5.5 atm), which gave the highest SGR value of 7.24 ± 0.5 and FCR value of 1.19 ± 0.09. The value of water quality parameters is in suitable condition for the growth of catfish seed. The best plant productivity was found in treatment D with an average weight of 60.75 g.