Semen quality parameters of cultured broodstock African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) of different ages

This study investigated the age-related variations in the semen volume, sperm count, spermatocrit, testicular and genital papillae allometric values as well as testicular histomorphologies of cultured male broodstock Clarias gariepinus at 6, 9 and 12 months of age. Each of these months constituted an age group and had 10 fish for the study which was performed in duplicate. The semen samples in all the groups were observed to be viscid and milky in colour; and had over 80% sperm motility. The means of the left testes semen volume, left testes and right testes spermatocrit of the 6 months group were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the 9 and 12 months groups; while the 12 months group was significantly higher than those of 6 and 9 months. The means of the right testes, left testes and right testes sperm counts of the 6 months group were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the 9 and 12 months groups. Sections of the testes of these fish at 6, 9 and 12 month of age upon histological examination showed similar features of their germinal epithelia and the lumina of their seminiferous tubules. It was concluded that 12 months old broodstock male catfish appear to be better candidates for spawning.Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, Age, Spermatozoa, Seminal vesicle, Testes, Semen, Spermatocri