Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Fish Aquaculture Revitalization, Multiplication and Sustainability in Nigeria

Abstract

Thirty three mature broodfish of Common Carp were harvested from Panyam Fish Farm, Plateau State (PFFPS), and from Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi Research Fish Farm (FUAMRFF). These farms are situated in two different agro-ecological zones of Nigeria (with a fading history of Carp fish culture). The broodfish were fed for 90 days, in preparation for on-farm breeding activities with the aim of determining water quality, hatching parameters (through un-induced natural spawning, induced natural spawning and induced breeding by stripping in indoor concrete ponds); thirdly, to determine percentage survival of the bred Carp fish progenies cultured for 56 days (in ponds sampled in PFFPS and FUAMRFF). Fourthly, to evaluate growth and potential economic returns from the two areas, and finally to further evaluate fish farmers perception of Carp fish culture in selected fish farms across other agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. After breeding activities, progenies were cultured and fed to satiation. The water quality parameters in the ponds and in water holding tanks was monitored daily. At the end of the research period, PFFPS showed better Carp fish hatching tendency, highest (94%) in Induced Natural spawning), with better environmental condition and water physico-chemical parameters for Carp fish culture with mean Dissolved Oxygen content level (8.35 Mg/l), and pH (7.54). Furthermore, PFFPS has capacity to accommodate the mass production of Carp fish. Economically, PFFPS had a higher gross margin (402,250), and Profit index (5.0). Also, result from fish farmers perception on carp fish culture showed that 62% of farmers have no idea of Carp fish management, 66% have no idea of Carp fish selling price, 66% are aware of PFFPS and 100% expressed that more awareness should be created on aquaculture diversification (with interest in Carp fish aquaclture), as this will meet consumer demand and rescue this species from its current track of going extinct in Nigeria, if given urgent attention).