Physiological and Ecological Features of Cultivation African Catfish Clarias gariepinus

The article considers physiological and ecological features of cultivation of the African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus, in particular, the effect of water temperature on the stages of ontogenesis (egg, larvae, juveniles) and on obtaining commercial fish. Additionally, experimental data on determining the modern habitat of C. gariepinus, its feeding behavior, and some physiological reactions of the gastrointestinal tract are summarized. It is shown that the optimal thermal range for cultivating C. gariepinus is 25–32°C. At the early stages of development (egg, larvae), this catfish is most sensitive to temperature, and starting from the juvenile stage, it adapts better to unfavorable temperature conditions. In addition, the nature of the diet and the activity of pancreatic enzymes of the African sharptooth catfish are also closely related to the temperature of the aquatic environment. In conclusion, practical recommendations for industrial cultivation of Clarias gariepinus in recirculating aquaculture systems are given.