Integration of Biofloc Technology in Induced Breeding and Larval Rearing of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758): Effects on Reproductive Performance, Water Quality, Growth Performance, and Fry Survival

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 3 | 02 | Page :
By

Ankit Kumar,

Nageshwar Wast,

  1. Ph.D., Department of Zoology, Jai Prakash University, Chapra, Bihar, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Ram Jaipal College, Jai Prakash University, Chapra, Bihar, India

Abstract

Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as Desi magur or walking catfish, is an economically important indigenous freshwater fish, but hatchery seed production is often constrained by unstable water quality, variable fertilization and hatching success, and high larval mortality. This study evaluated the integration of Biofloc Technology (BFT) with induced breeding and larval rearing of C. batrachus under controlled indoor conditions. Mature broodstock were induced with Ovaprim and maintained in either a biofloc-based system (T₁) or a conventional clear-water system (T₂). Biofloc was developed using molasses at an approximate carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 15:1. Reproductive performance, water quality, larval growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival were assessed. The biofloc system maintained lower Total Ammonia Nitrogen (0.42 ± 0.08 mg L⁻¹) and Nitrite-N (0.09 ± 0.02 mg L⁻¹) and higher dissolved oxygen (5.6 ± 0.3 mg L⁻¹) than the control. Fertilization and hatching rates were 84.7 ± 3.1% and 76.2 ± 2.9% in T₁, compared with 82.3 ± 2.8% and 70.5 ± 3.4% in T₂. After 30 days, larvae in T₁ attained greater final body weight (186.4 ± 9.2 mg), higher SGR (9.8 ± 0.4% day⁻¹), lower FCR (1.28 ± 0.09), and higher survival (78.4 ± 3.5%) than the control. The findings indicate that BFT can improve hatchery performance through better water quality, microbial nutrient recycling, feed utilization, and fry survival, supporting its potential for sustainable seed production of C. batrachus.

Keywords: Clarias batrachus, Biofloc Technology, Induced Breeding, Larval Rearing, Hatchery Management, Water Quality, Fry Survival, Sustainable Aquaculture.

How to cite this article: Ankit Kumar, Nageshwar Wast. Integration of Biofloc Technology in Induced Breeding and Larval Rearing of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758): Effects on Reproductive Performance, Water Quality, Growth Performance, and Fry Survival. International Journal of Marine Life. 2026; 03(02):-.
How to cite this URL: Ankit Kumar, Nageshwar Wast. Integration of Biofloc Technology in Induced Breeding and Larval Rearing of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758): Effects on Reproductive Performance, Water Quality, Growth Performance, and Fry Survival. International Journal of Marine Life. 2026; 03(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijml/article=2026/view=260940

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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 03
02
Received 02/09/2026
Accepted 14/09/2026
Published 17/09/2026
Publication Time 15 Days

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