Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development

Abstract

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Species: Implications for Selection and Sustainable Genetic Improvement-A Review

Negesse Kebtieneh*, Kefyalew Alemayehu and Gashaw Tilahun

The African catfish, or C. gariepinus, is the second-most widely cultured fish species in Sub-Saharan and most Asian nations. In order to interpret, comprehend, and manage populations and individuals, genetic diversity and population structure, as well as their quantification, are important. Due to its rapid growth rate, capacity to adapt to a variety of culture conditions, and high fertility, African catfish, C. gariepinus was first genetically improved in the 1950s and then adopted as the best catfish for African aquaculture in the middle of the 1970s. In African catfish genetics and breeding studies, a variety of molecular markers, including allozyme marker, mtDNA marker, SNPs marker, RAPD marker, Microsatellite marker and SDS-PAGE marker have been used to assess genetic similarity and divergences for insuring genetic improvement and selective breeding program of C. garipinus fish species. Genetic diversity assessment and population structure assessment are also used to quantify the genetic differentiations within and among populations of C. gariepinus fish species. These are important to formulate genetic conservation and management strategies, to sustainably manage economically important aquaculture fish species like C. gariepinus. Genetic improvement and marker assisted selective breeding programs are essential to have extensive knowledge of economically significant strains.

Published Date: 2024-01-10; Received Date: 2023-12-11