Effect of Graded Level of Normal Saline Solution on Fertilization Rate, Hatchability and Survival of Clarias Gariepinus Fry

The effect of graded level of normal saline solution on fertilization rate, hatchability and survival of Clarias gariepinus fry was conducted in Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Nasarawa State University Keffi. six (6) brood stocks of C. gariepinus consisting of 3 males and 3 females were used for the study. Sodium chloride was weighed at 0g/l, 2.25g/l, 4.50g/l, 6.75g/l and 9.00g/l using a sensitive weighing balance representing T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively. Milt was squeezed and washed into already prepared concentrations (0, 2.25, 4.50, 6.75 and 9.00 g/l) of physiological saline to keep the sperm dormant but alive. Statistical analysis was carried out on all data using ANOVA with STAR and means were separated at 95% confidence level. The study revealed that fish highest fertilization was recorded in 6.75g/l (82.41%) saline solution which is not significantly different (P>0.05) from the result obtained in 9.0g/l (82.22%) saline solution. However, the lowest fertilization rate was observed at 0g/l (37.56%) respectively. The hatchability rate at 6.75% (63.42%) saline solution was the highest and lowest at 0g/l (23.53%) respectively. The highest survival rate was at 6.75% (54.29%) and the lowest was obtained at 0g/l (15.00%) respectively. The study concluded that saline solution had positive effect on egg fertilization, hatching rate and survival of Clarias gariepinus at different concentrations of physiological saline solution. This study recommends 6g/l physiological saline solution as an ideal concentration for optimal fertilization of eggs, hatching and subsequent survival of the larvae.