Observations on the breeding habits of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell)

Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) can be stimulated to spawn in aquaria by hormonal treatment and the breeding habits could be observed. After pre‐spawning activities such as the raising of dorsal fins and chasing of the female, the male folds around the head of the female and small batches of eggs are laid, followed by some gas bubbles. Eggs are distributed by the female over a wide area. This behaviour agrees with field observations. The final stimulant to spawning under natural conditions is thought to be a substance called petrichor dissolved in flood waters that have run over dry ground.