Desirable attributes of
species used in small
scale aquaculture
- Protocol

Species commonly used
for aquaculture in
sub-Saharan Africa:
-O. andersonii
-O. aureus
-O. macrochir
-O. mossambicus
-O. niloticus
-O. shiranus
-Tilipia rendalli
-T. zillii
-Clarias gariepinus
-Cyprinus carpio
-Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus
-Heterotis niloticus
-Production of all-male
cichlid offspring

Alien species in African aquaculture
-Enviromental and economic
impacts
-FAO Codes of Practice

Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus

Family: Bagridae

Size: Breeding females approximately 25.9 cm.

Native range: Occur in Benin and West Africa

Habitat preference & tolerance levels: Euryhaline species, found in both freshwaters and estuaries, also in mangrove swamps. Fingerlings found at salinities from 0 - 25 ppt, but if acclimatised can tolerate higher salinities. If salinities rise to high levels in estuaries, will migrate to freshwater or water of lower salinity. Found in benthic habitat on muddy substrate in the main river channels in the Oueme River. Can tolerate low DO.

General biology and aquaculture potential: Listed as a "generalised predator". The genus is also listed as being generally omnivorous. Gonad development from February to April. In aquaculture best to adopt a strategy of feeding dry feed every second day. Fingerlings collected from natural waters - particularly coastal wetlands. Due to general environmental degradation including oil spillages, pollution and destruction of mangrove swamps, Chrysichthys spp have lost an estimated 80% of breeding and nursery habitat in the Nigerian coastal regions.

Regions farmed:

References: Anyanwu 1991; Ekanem 1996; Ezenwa & Ayinla 1994; Laleye et al 1995; Neiland et al 1990; Welcomme & de Merona 1988

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