The underutilized albino catfish (Clarias cavernicola) can potentially improve the genetics of the north African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Given the recent genetic bottleneck that has negatively impacted productivity in the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), assessing the possibility of its genetic improvement is important for continual contribution to food availability. We assessed the potential of utilizing the blind catfish (Clarias cavernicola) in the improvement of Clarias gariepinus. Two broodstock parents each from Clarias gariepinus and Clarias cavernicola were subjected to reciprocal crossing to produce four catfish breeds. The crosses were thus: Cc♀ × Cc♂: Female Clarias cavernicola× male Clarias cavernicola, Cg♀ × Cg♂: Female Clarias gariepinus× male Clarias gariepinus, Cg♀ × Cc♂: Female Clarias gariepinus× male Clarias cavernicola and Cc♀ × Cg♂: Female Clarias cavernicola x male Clarias gariepinus. The hybrid crosses had the highest body weight and length. Weight and length showed a positive correlation. The highest coefficient of determination (R2) was obtained from a hybrid cross of Cc♀ × Cg♂ using total length (Y = -46.728+4.779X and R2 = 0.942). There were variations in the hybrids' qualitative traits, while the two pure breeds bred through. Following the findings from the hybrid crosses, Clarias cavernicola could be a potential candidate for reducing inbreeding in Clarias gariepinus and its general genetic improvement.