Introduction of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) for Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the practice of cultivating aquatic organisms in controlled environments for commercial purposes. The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was introduced specifically for aquaculture due to the following reasons:

High Demand for Fish Protein
- The global demand for fish protein has been steadily increasing due to the growing population and changing dietary preferences.
- African catfish is a fast-growing species that can reach marketable size in a relatively short period, making it an attractive choice for aquaculture.

Adaptability to Various Environments
- African catfish is known for its ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions, including different water qualities and temperatures.
- This adaptability makes it easier to rear African catfish in different regions, increasing its popularity among aquaculture farmers.

Resistance to Diseases
- African catfish is relatively resistant to common aquaculture diseases, making it a hardy species that requires less intervention in terms of disease management.
- This resistance reduces the risk of loss for aquaculture farmers, making African catfish a preferred choice for commercial production.

Economic Benefits
- The introduction of African catfish for aquaculture has led to economic benefits for farmers, as the species has a high feed conversion efficiency and can be produced cost-effectively.
- The production and sale of African catfish contribute to the local economy and provide livelihood opportunities for individuals involved in the aquaculture industry.
In conclusion, the introduction of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) for aquaculture purposes has been driven by its high demand for fish protein, adaptability to various environments, resistance to diseases, and economic benefits for farmers.