Evaluation of Reproductive Parameters and Larval Quality in the Hybridization of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) × Indonesian Catfish (Clarias meladerma)

Abstract

Catfish hybridization is a promising strategy to develop superior strains with enhanced reproductive performance and larval resilience. This study evaluated reproductive parameters and larval quality from reciprocal crosses between African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Indonesian local catfish (Clarias meladerma). Two crossing directions were tested: female C. gariepinus × male C. meladerma and female C. meladerma × male C. gariepinus. Parameters observed included gonadosomatic index (GSI), embryogenesis, fertilization rate, hatching rate, and larval survival. Controlled spawning was conducted, and outcomes were monitored until the larval stage. Results showed that female C. meladerma had an average GSI of 5.53%, while female C. gariepinus reached 10.01%. Male C. meladerma recorded 0.57%, compared to 1.71% in male C. gariepinus. The cross of female C. meladerma × male C. gariepinus achieved a fertilization rate of 79.63%, hatching rate of 27.91%, and larval survival at 4 days post-hatching of 93.33%, outperforming the reciprocal direction. Embryogenesis proceeded normally in this cross, producing consistent larval quality. Conversely, in the reciprocal cross, embryonic development stopped at the final stage before hatching, resulting in very low hatching rates and abnormal larvae. In conclusion, the cross of female C. meladerma × male C. gariepinus provided the best reproductive success and larval survival. These findings highlight reciprocal hybridization as a viable strategy for developing superior catfish strains to support sustainable aquaculture in Indonesia.