African Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management

Growth Performance, Fatty Acid Profile, And Lipid Composition of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Fed Diets with Graded Levels of Groundnut Meal

2025-09-11T20:11:08+00:00

This study evaluated the impact of substituting fish meal with groundnut meal on the growth perfor- mance, fatty acid composition, and lipid profile of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Diets contain- ing varying levels of groundnut meal (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%), each replicated three times over 84 days, were evaluated. The highest mean weight gain (8.00 ± 1.68 g) was observed at 100% replacement, while the lowest (4.19 ± 0.89 g) occurred at 40% inclusion. Protein intake was highest in the 20% group (9.67 ± 0.08 g) and lowest in the 100% group (5.85 ± 0.05 g). Sixteen fatty acids were detected, notably high levels of palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and arachidonic acid. Saturation indices peaked at 20–40% groundnut inclusion. The control and 20% treatments recorded the highest triglyceride levels, whereas cholesterol levels were highest at 100% inclusion. Overall, diets containing 20% groundnut meal appear optimal for tilapia growth while offering a promising alternative to fish meal.

Toxicological Influence of Aqueous Tephrosia bracteolata Leaf Extract on Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Clarias gariepinus Juveniles

2025-09-12T17:39:24+00:00

Fish farmers traditionally explore plants to catch fish from the wild without knowing the
exact dose that would not pose a threat to the fish. The study investigated impacts of
varied concentrations (8.00, 4.00, 2.00 and 1.00ml/L and 0.00 (the control) in replicates,
using completely randomized design (CRD) and injection method, for a duration of 96hrs)
of aqueous leaf extract of Tephrosia bracteolata impacts on haematology, blood serum
biochemistry and mortality rate of Clarias gariepinus using 200 juveniles. The data were
analysed for mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation using IBM SPSS version
23. Results indicated determination of Alkaloids 52%, Saponin 31%, Flavonoids 29%,
Phenol 27%, Glucosides 18% and anthraquinone 12%; and the treatments’ LD50 was 2
mL (log concentration of 0.301). Unlike in control, levels of the PCV, Hb, RBC, and
WBC decreased as the treatments increased, with a strong and direct correlation among
the four haematological indices; the glucose levels increased while cholesterol and protein
decreased as the treatments increased, with the glucose levels having a very strong but
indirect correlation with protein and cholesterol levels. The protein level was strongly
correlated (r = 0.922, p < 0.01) with cholesterol. The study concluded that the plant
induced dose-dependent physiological stress on the experimental fish. There was no further
observation post-treatment, and cautious usage of the plant around the fish habitat and for
fish harvesting by the fish artisans is recommended.

Design and Fabrication of a Briquette-Fueled Stove for Integration with Fish Smoking Kilns

2025-09-12T18:48:50+00:00

The transition toward clean, sustainable biomass energy systems is critical to mitigating the
environmental and health impacts of traditional fish smoking practices. Briquettes, derived
from renewable agricultural residues, offer a low-emission alternative with promising thermal
performance in artisanal and semi-industrial settings. This study presents the design,
fabrication, and performance evaluation of a briquette-fueled stove developed for integration
with fish smoking kilns. The stove was constructed using locally available materials
and featured thermally insulated walls, an ash collection chamber, and a variable-speed
air blower for controlled combustion. Three insulation materials—clay, fiber, and sawdust—
were comparatively tested under a range of blower speeds using the standardized
Water Boiling Test (WBT) protocol. An expanded experimental matrix was implemented
with blower speeds of 50, 75, and 100 rpm applied to each insulation type to examine heat
retention and combustion dynamics. Boiling time data were statistically analyzed using
ANOVA and standard deviation metrics to validate performance differences. The fiberinsulated
variant consistently exhibited the highest thermal efficiency, achieving boiling
in 15.0 ± 0.6 minutes at 100 rpm. In contrast, clay insulation required up to 30.1 ± 0.9
minutes, and sawdust insulation yielded intermediate results. Lifecycle cost and material
durability assessments indicate that fiber-based insulation, despite slightly higher upfront
cost, offers long-term savings due to reduced heat loss and better structural resilience.
Detailed schematics are provided to ensure reproducibility and technical transferability.
Overall, the briquette-fueled stove provides an efficient and scalable solution for sustainable
fish smoking operations, particularly in rural and resource-constrained environment.

Effects of Indigenous spices on Microbial Quality and Sensory Attributes of Smoked Clarias gariepinus

2025-09-12T17:57:53+00:00

This study investigated the influence of various indigenous spices on microbial load and
sensory qualities of smoked African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Twelve live specimens
(1 kg) were processed and smoked using sterile protocols. Smoked samples preserved
with individual spices were stored in sealed containers for two weeks. Microbiological
analysis was performed biweekly on 1 g muscle tissue. Onion-spiced samples recorded
the highest moisture content (39.230.46%), while garlic-spiced samples exhibited elevated
total coliform counts (77.61021.16 cfu/g). Salmonella-related strains (including
Shigella) were detected across treatments, alongside increased E. coli and S. aureus in
week two. Organoleptic assessment revealed highest acceptability for mixed spice-treated
fish (1.500.60). Indigenous spices improved sensory characteristics while exhibiting antimicrobial
potential.

Some Methods of Processing Fish: Strengths,Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis in Nigeria.

2025-09-12T19:12:38+00:00

Fish processing and preservation play a crucial role in reducing post-harvest losses and
enhancing food security in Nigeria. This paper presents a comprehensive SWOT analysis
of key fish processing methods, including freezing, heat-based curing, canning, extrusion
cooking, coated/fried products and fermentation, with emphasis on their application
in the Nigerian context. It highlights the strengths of these technologies in extending
shelf-life, improving market value, and supporting aquaculture development. However,
it also identifies significant weaknesses such as infrastructure deficits, high capital costs,
and food safety concerns. Opportunities for innovation and market expansion, through
improved technologies, value-added product development, and domestic industrialization
are explored alongside threats including economic instability, environmental challenges,
and shifting consumer preferences. By critically evaluating each method’s viability, this
study underscores the need for policy support, investment in infrastructure, and adoption
of modern techniques to ensure sustainable fish consumption and production in Nigeria

Evaluation of a Counter Current Cooling System of a Fish Feed Extrusion

2025-09-12T19:33:54+00:00

This study explores the application of a counter-current cooling system to manage the excess
heat generated during fish feed extrusion, a process critical for producing high-quality,
nutritionally balanced feed. During extrusion, elevated temperatures caused by friction can
degrade nutrients, damage product structure, and lead to economic losses. To address this,
the research employed a counterflow cooling mechanism designed to enhance thermal regulation
and product quality. An optimal experimental design approach was adopted using
Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to analyze the influence of three key process variables:
screw speed (150, 200, 250, and 300 rpm), die size (4, 6, and 8 mm), and water flow
rate (25, 50, 75, and 100 Lmin¹). Response parameters included extrudate temperature,
cooling efficiency, and bulk density. The study incorporated replication and error analysis
to improve the reliability of optimization results. Maximum extrudate temperature reached
319°C at the highest screw speed, while the optimal conditions were at screw speed of
254.97 rpm, 5 mm die size, and 100 Lmin¹ water flow resulted in effective heat reduction
and desirable product characteristics with a desirability score of 0.633. The study also
highlights the adaptability of the proposed cooling system for various food matrices, including
high-protein and fortified blends. Additionally, it considers scalability, operational
cost, and maintenance aspects, suggesting that the system is practical for both small- and
large-scale aquafeed production. Overall, the counter-current cooling approach demonstrated
a significant improvement in process control, product safety, and energy efficiency,
offering a sustainable solution for modern aquafeed manufacturing.

Market Efficiency of Seafood Retailing in Some Selected Markets in Lagos State

2025-09-12T19:55:13+00:00

This study investigates the market efficiency and profitability of seafood retailing in three
major markets in Lagos State, Nigeria - Epe, Makoko, and Badagry - drawing on market
efficiency theory to examine income distribution, pricing structures, and operational performance.
Employing a stratified random sampling method, this study collected primary
data from 150 seafood retailers and applied descriptive statistics, cost-return analysis, Gini
coefficient, and multiple regression modeling for analysis. The results reveal that seafood
marketing is largely decentralized and competitive, yielding an average gross margin of
62While previous studies focus primarily on wholesale channels or aggregate-level performance,
this research offers a more detailed understanding of urban retail dynamics,
highlighting market channel flexibility and spatial variations in profitability and institutional
support. Structural constraints; including price volatility, poor infrastructure, limited
credit, and inadequate energy access - continue to impede efficiency and scalability. These
findings provide empirical grounding for policy and donor interventions aimed at strengthening
urban fish markets through targeted investments in infrastructure, inclusive financing
schemes, cooperative development, and extension services. The study offers actionable insights
for regional fisheries policy and development program, particularly in designing
gender-sensitive, pro-poor market support systems. Limitations include the cross-sectional
design, seasonal price fluctuations, and reliance on self-reported data. Nevertheless, the
research underscores the strategic potential of retail fish markets as engines of inclusive
economic growth and food system resilience.

EXPLORATION OF GROWTH AND SOME HEALTH STATUS INDICES OF Trichopodus trichopterus FED AT VARIED FEEDING REGIME

2025-09-18T18:13:10+00:00

The health status of fish in captivity has been shown to be an important indicator to the
wellbeing and life span of fishes, especially in the ornamental fish industry. Feed, feeding
technique and water quality plays a pivotal role in optimizing the overall well-being of
the fish. This study assessed the effect of the feeding regime on health status indicators
in Trichopodus Trichopterus. Juveniles (3.6±0.2g) were stocked at 5 fish per tank in 12
aquarium tanks. They were fed to satiation at different feeding regime (twice daily) (T1),
once daily (T2), once in two days (T3), or once in three days (T4) for 12 weeks. At the
end of the study, body weight, survival, cortisol, glucose and antioxidant activities were
measured following standard procedures. The result showed that T2 had the highest feed
intake (0.78±2.18 g and 0.72±2.01g) in the second and third months, respectively. The
highest final weight of 10.7±0.1g was recorded in T1 while survival was best in T2(93.3%)
at 12 weeks. Glutathione activity was highest in T4 (27.12±1.18u/mg) while the least is in
T2. Cortisol has the highest activity in T4 (4.7±.03) while the least was in T1 (4.02±0.12).
Malondialdehyde showed a high activity level in T4 but was not statistically significant. It
shows that an improper feeding regime exacts some level of stress on the fish which may
lead to the loss of this precious pet over time hence pet fish keepers should put measures
in place that ensures the fish feeds at least once daily