GROWTH PERFOMANCE, WEIGHT LENGTH RELATIONSHIP AND CONDITION FACTOR OF AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS) REARED UNDER CONTROL AQUACULTURE

The length-weight relationship and condition factor of Clarias gariepinus was evaluated over a period of four weeks in December 2024. A total of 80 mature fish samples which were caught during the study period using drag net and traps, the experiment was conducted in four tanks with varying water quality parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH. Fish growth was monitored for a specified period, and the length, weight, and condition factor (K-factor) were measured to assess the impact of environmental factors on the fish's development. The results showed a positive correlation between length and weight across all tanks, confirming a typical length-weight relationship in Clarias gariepinus. Tank 4 exhibited the highest length (31.50 ± 3.70 cm) and weight (583.0 ± 31.6 g), along with the highest condition factor (3.84 ± 2.31), suggesting optimal growth conditions. The study also highlighted the significant role of environmental factors, such as water quality (DO, TDS, and pH), in influencing the health and growth performance of Clarias gariepinus. The findings align with previous research, emphasizing that maintaining optimal water quality are critical for improving the condition factor and overall growth of fish in aquaculture systems. Lastly the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between environmental conditions, growth performance, and the condition factor of Clarias gariepinus and offers recommendations for improving aquaculture practices to enhance fish health and productivity.