Artificial Breeding and Breeding Techniques for Leatherfish

Clarias, commonly known as the Egyptian beard catfish or leather catfish, is a unique species belonging to the genus Clarias. It is also referred to by several other names such as the Egyptian pond mullet, grass beard catfish (possibly due to a mislabeling), and sometimes mistakenly classified under the Pelicans genus. This fish is typically found in the bottom of pools, where it forms groups and prefers muddy environments for burrowing. As an omnivore, it primarily feeds on animal-based food. Originating from the Nile River basin in Africa, Clarias was introduced to China in 1981. It has since become a popular aquaculture species due to its fast growth, high yield, strong disease resistance, adaptability to various water conditions, and excellent nutritional value. The fish is highly valued for its delicious taste and minimal bone structure, making it a promising candidate for commercial farming with significant economic returns. Its cultivation has now expanded across most regions of China. **Biological Characteristics** **Morphology** The leather catfish has an elongated, scaleless body that is cylindrical in shape. It features a flat head, a lower jaw, and four pairs of well-developed barbels around its mouth. Its eyes are relatively small, and the back of the head has several radially arranged bony granules. The fins have light red edges with black spots and greyish-white cloud-like patterns. The dorsal side is dark gray to black, while the belly is white, and the mouth is wide. **Habits** This species is a benthic fish with a generally calm temperament. However, during the early stages of life, intra-specific competition is intense, leading to frequent cannibalism and aggressive feeding behavior. During the day, it tends to gather at the bottom of ponds, in caves, or dark areas, becoming more active at night when it searches for food. Due to its long-term adaptation to low-light environments, it relies heavily on its sensitive barbels, lateral line system, and olfactory sacs to detect food and avoid predators. Additionally, it possesses a specialized respiratory organ that allows it to breathe air directly, enabling it to survive in low-oxygen waters and even remain out of water for extended periods if its skin remains moist. Clarias has strong migratory capabilities, using its robust pectoral fins to crawl across land and move between different water bodies in search of better living conditions. As a tropical and subtropical species, it is not tolerant of cold temperatures. When the water temperature drops below 10°C, it becomes vulnerable to frostbite and fungal infections. Below 7°C, it begins to die. Therefore, during wintering periods, the water temperature must be maintained above 13°C to ensure survival. **Feeding Habits** Clarias is an omnivorous fish, with a diet primarily consisting of animal matter. It consumes large quantities of food, often eating 5-8% of its body weight per day, and can even consume up to 15% or more. Overfeeding may lead to bloating and digestive issues. Juveniles have a strong ability to withstand hunger, surviving without food for 4-5 months during wintering. Once water temperatures rise above 15°C, they resume normal feeding, with optimal feeding occurring between 20°C and 35°C. The peak feeding period is from May to September, which is also the fastest growth phase. In natural habitats, young Clarias feed on zooplankton such as rotifers, leeches, and copepods. As they grow, their diet expands to include larger prey like insect larvae, worms, and small fish. In adulthood, they mainly eat worms, aquatic insects, benthic organisms, small fish, and plant matter. Under captive conditions, they can be fed a variety of animal-based foods like blood, fish meal, snail meat, and fly maggots, as well as plant-based feeds like rice bran, soybean cake, and corn flour. **Growth and Breeding** Clarias grows rapidly, often reaching 0.5 kg within 4-5 months under pond culture conditions. The largest individuals can weigh over 2 kg, with yields per mu (approximately 667 square meters) reaching up to 5,000 kg. Fish that survive the previous winter can grow to about 1 kg, with some reaching over 4 kg. **Breeding Habits** Clarias has a non-synchronous multiple spawning pattern, with sexual maturity achieved at 10-12 months. It can spawn 3-4 times annually, with the breeding season typically lasting from April to September, and some broodstocks extending until late October. Spawning occurs most actively between May and July, with reduced activity after August due to high temperatures or ovarian degeneration. From November to December, reproductive organs enter a degenerative phase. The ideal water temperature for spawning is between 22°C and 32°C, preferably 27°C to 32°C. Spawning is inhibited below 20°C or above 32°C, and no eggs are laid at 18°C. When the temperature rises above 20°C, mature males and females begin to breed, with females laying green, viscous eggs on substrates. The number of eggs varies depending on the size of the fish: individuals weighing 0.25–0.5 kg can lay 15,000–65,000 eggs, while those weighing 0.75–1.25 kg can lay 113,000–178,000 eggs. Incubation takes place at 22–30°C, with hatching occurring within 22–25 hours.

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