Genome analyses for the breeding of African catfish in the aquaculture of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Contact: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Tom Goldammer
Duration: 2021-2022
Funding: European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)
Abstract:
The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is described as a robust piscivorous or carnivorous fish species with rapid growth and low demanding requirements, which is successfully reared in land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Its husbandry is relatively uncomplicated and the production of catfish is expanding in M-V, as well as in other federal and European countries. In order for aquaculture facilities in M-V to remain ahead in catfish production, especially in the areas of efficiency and sustainability, but also animal welfare and fish health, it is necessary to genetically record the breeding progress in the medium term, to manifest it in the breeding populations via family selection, and to further improve it via targeted breeding measures that include genetic markers. In addition, there are specific questions from fish producers on economically relevant traits, such as robustness, growth, feeding behavior and feed conversion, as well as hypoxia adaptability and acceptance of higher nitrate concentrations at the end of the fattening period. The genetics of the fish play an important role for all traits. Within the scope of the present project, the catfish genome, so far known only in a few DNA fragments, will be completely analyzed, assembled and made available for future breeding initiatives in African catfish aquaculture, including genetics. This creates the prerequisites for a lasting influence on catfish breeding and the genetic manifestation of advantageous traits.