The influence of administered pre spawning stressors on female African catfish, Clarias gariepinus was investigated throughout induced spawning. It was found that no significant difference (P > 0.05) in ovulation percentages among stressed and control groups. Significant differences were recorded for eggs weight and eggs numbers produced by stressed females and control one. Stressed females show low fertilization and hatching rate compared to the control group. Starved females progeny showed significantly higher deformity rate, dead larvae and low survival rates compared other groups. African catfish exposed to stressor have the ability to spawn successfully, but there appears to be a negative influence of this stress on their breeding output, particularly through the production of abnormal larvae. Thus, there is a limit to the ability of these fish to tolerate stressor as revealed. Proper feeding, handling and management of female African catfish is recommended for proper induced spawning |
