Comparative Evaluation of the Nutritional Profiles of Wild and Pond Reared Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Obubra LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria

Fish is a good source of rich protein regardless of it source of habitation. However, there are notable variations in the nutritional composition. Thus, this study was conducted to compare the nutritional composition of wild and pond raised African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Twenty samples of Clarias gariepinus each were collected from Ahaha Beach, Obubra LGA and University of Calabar fish farm for the study. Standard methods were employed in the analysis of body nutrients, for samples from both habitats. The results revealed that pond raised samples had higher values of crude protein (59.23 ± 2.86), carbohydrates (9.37 ± 0.75), fat (20.01 ± 1.01) and energy (464.74 ± 0.03) than samples from the wild. Although, moisture contents (64.05 ± 0.23), crude fibre (10.10 ± 0.06) and ash content (16.40 ± 0.08) were higher in wild samples, moisture contents and crude fibre were not significant (p<0.05). However, for crude protein, carbohydrates, ash content and energy (kcal), there were significant difference (p<0.05) between both samples. There was a weak positive correlation between protein and carbohydrate and carbohydrates and energy (kcal). Nonetheless, crude protein had strong negative correlation between other variables. Conclusively, pond raised system for Catfish is encouraged for commercial and nutritional purpose (consumption).