This study aims to evaluate body measurement and reproductive traits of two adult catfish species broodstocks and their relationships. Total of 80 catfish broodstocks of Clarias garepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis (20 male and 20 females per species) weighing 2.54±0.12 and 2.11±0.15 kg, respectively were acclimated and conditioned for use in the study. Live weight and morphometric measurements were carried out on each fish, gonadal traits were assessed, and gonadosomatic index computed using standard procedures. Results obtained revealed that Clarias garepinus possess significantly (p<0.05) superior male reproductive quality than Heterobranchus longifilis. Both species possess similar gonadosomatic index. Live weight of female Clarias garepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis catfish can be predicted with their body measurement especially standard length and the total length, while reproductive indices of male Clarias garepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis catfish can be used to predict the gonadosomatic index. The gonadosomatic index and reproductive traits of male Clarias garepinus are superior to Heterobranchus longifilis and would account for the difference in breeding performance and seeds production in captivity.
Keywords: Clariidae; Broodstocks; Breeding soundness; Reproductivity; Southwest Nigeria
