Abstract

This study was conducted using the same feeding strategies and stocking density to determine the effect of using two different rearing facilities (earthen and concrete) of the same size (10 x 10 x 1.5 m) each on profitability of fish reared to market size in eight months. Results indicated that final mean weight (Initial mean weight 15g/fish of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed a monthly adjusted ration based on fish growth was greater in earthen pond (1.1 kg) than in concrete tank (0.9 kg). Despite higher survivability (70%) recorded in concrete tank as against the 60% in earthen pond, results further revealed that the size of fish harvested affected the biomass, which negatively affected the profitability. The earthen pond produced a profit of N 73,000 as against the N 52,000 from concrete tank. Profit margin of N21,000 realized between the two structures demonstrated that, final mean weight of fish reared to market size was greatly influenced by culture media.

Key words: Catfish, culture media, profitability.