Hatchery, nursery and grow-out management of the Asian catfish Clarias macrocephalus

Abstract

The Asian catfish, Clarias macrocephalus is a native but fast disappearing species in the Philippines. It is locally named as hito to Tagalogs, paltat to Ilocanos, pantat to Cebuanos and Ilongos, and Ito to Pampangueños. They are called catfishes because they posses whisker-like structure near their mouth called barbells. Among the Clarias species Clarias macrocephalus is preferred because of its tender and delicious meat.

Many people believed that the disappearance of the native catfish is due to interbreeding with Thai catfish, Clarias batrachus and the rampant use of pesticides in the ricefields that "poison" the breeding grounds of this species. At SEAFDEC/AQD, standardized techniques were developed in the laboratory for breeding and seed production of this species. Verification studies are on going on nursery techniques in tanks and ponds and grow out culture in ponds.

The topics to be discussed are mostly based on SEAFDEC's research studies and hands-on experiences on the native catfish Clarias macrocephalus.