Present state and prospects of the aquaculture of catfishes (Siluroidei) in Europe

Abstract

In Europe the aquaculture of Siluroidei concern the native species Silurus glanis and some others recently introduced : Clarias gariepinus from Africa, Ictalurus punctatus, I. nebulosus and I. melas from North America. Production trials with the African species Heterobranchus longifilis and H. bidorsalis are mentioned. These Siluroidei are reared in various production systems : monoculture in (closed) thermoregulated systems, cages or ponds, or in pond polyculture. Clariids are most often grown out into recirculated-thermoregulated systems, but sometimes in outdoor ponds during summer. Ictalurids are reared intensively or semi-intensively in ponds. The European catfish, Silurus glanis is produced either in pond polyculture as predator fish, or in open systems with warm water (power plant effluent, geothermal water), less often in closed thermoregulated systems. In Europe, aquaculture of Siluroidei is not widespread and only a few countries practise it : Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Czech Republic and the Netherlands. However, the production seems to be increasing : in France, for example, intensive production in ponds with still water or with water reused after effluent lagooning is beginning to develop. The impact on the environment is low, as are the production costs.