30 Continental J. Fisheries and Aquatic Science 6 (3): 30 - 38, 2012 ISSN: 2141 – 4246 © Wilolud Journals, 2012 http://www.wiloludjournal.com Printed in Nigeria doi:10.5707/cjfas.2012.6.3.30.38 EFFECTS OF VARIATION IN FEEDING FREQUENCY ON THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FINGERLINGS Fagbuaro, Omotayo, Ajibade, Adebola Oluwaranti, and Alabi, Peter Olayinka Ekiti State University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, P.M.B. 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria ABSTRACT The aim of the research was to determine the effects of feeding frequency on growth and survival of Clarias gariepinus. The feeding frequency ranged from once daily, twice daily, thrice daily to once in two days. The experiment was conducted for 56 days using one hundred and sixty fingerlings. The fingerlings were stocked equally in eight 30 litres plastic aquaria. A commercial feed ( coppens) with nutritional status of crude protein 42%, crude fat 13%, crude fibre 3%, and ash 6.9% was used for the feeding. The fingerlings fed once daily had 20.15g and 15.35cm of the body weight (g) and length (cm) respectively but these were not significantly different from others (P≤0.05). The fingerlings fed twice daily had the least mean weight and length but they are significantly difference from others (P≤0.05). Highest specific growth rate (SGR), 2.37 was recorded in the fingerlings fed once daily. The final condition factor values of the fingerlings in each group of the experimented fingerlings were not significantly different (P≤0.05). The fingerlings fed once in two days had the highest feed conversion ratio (FCR), 2.37 while the fingerlings fed once daily had the least value of 1.08. The least value was significantly different from others (P≤0.05). Highest survival rate of 95% was recorded in the fingerlings fed once in two days, followed by those fed once daily with 92.5%. There was no significantly difference in the survival rate in the fingerlings fed once daily and those fed once in two days except those fed twice and thrice daily. The body composition of C. gariepinus fingerlings was greatly influenced by the different feeding regime. This research confirmed that feeding once a day greatly increase growth and survival of C. gariepinus fingerlings KEYWORDS: Feeding, Clarias gariepinus. Fingerlings, Frequency INTRODUCTION Clarias belong to a genius of Catfish of the family Clariidae, the air breeding catfishes. The sharp tooth Catfish is a large eel – like fish, usually of dark grey or black colouration on the back, fading to a white belly. Clarias gariepinus is a nocturnal fish like many Catfishes; it feeds on living as well as dead animal matter. As a result of its wide mouth it is able to swallow relatively large prey whole. It has been reported to have swallowed large water birds such (Annop et.al, 2009). It crawls on dry ground to escape drying pools. The Catfish sometimes produces loud croaking sound, not unlike the voice of the crow. The rearing of the African Catfish in Africa started in the early seventies in central and Western Africa as it was realized that it was a very suitable species for aquaculture. It grows very fast and feeds on a large variety of agriculture by – products. It is hardy and can tolerate adverse water quality conditions. It can be raised in higher densities resulting in high net yields. Good nutrition is one of the most important factors influencing the ability of cultured fish to exhibit its genetic potential for growth and reproduction. They are also greatly influenced by factors such as behaviour of fish, quality of feed, daily ratio size, feed intake or water temperature. Since the feed cost accounts approximately 40 – 60% of the operating costs in intensive culture system (Anderson,et.al. 1997, Craig and Heifrich, 2009). The food requirement of different species vary in quantity and quality according to the nature of the fish, its feeding habitat, its size, environment and its behavioural pattern and