By Nneka Nwogwugwu
There is this argument that come up for fish lovers and buyers between catfish raised in freshwater and those from ponds i.e. artificial ponds.
During a visit to Elelenwo Railway Market, in Port Harcourt, NatureNews correspondent who spoke to some catfish sellers over the weekend, noted that they record high sales from buyers, however, few buyers request for catfish from fresh water.
NatureNews observed that the catfish sold in most markets in Port Harcourt are those from man-made ponds. Only few markets have those gotten from the Rivers.
When asked why people prefer the catfish from Rivers, some stated that it is natural and more sweeter.
“When you eat catfish gotten from the River or freshwater water, it gives you a natural taste and it is more healthier,” a buyer stated.
To investigate more on the health benefits of Catfish, NatureNews correspondent found out that catfish is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
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Health benefits times in an article revealed that catfish is: great for the heart, clears the vessels, helps the joint, Beneficial for eyes, essential nutrients, protect Lungs, helps Lose Weight, fights depressions, good for skin health, good for nervous system, digestive health, boost your brainpower and good for the formation of bone and teeth.
There are no special benefits attributed to freshwater or artificial pond catfish.
Also, a research by International Journal of Scientific and Engineering investigated the comparative nutritional benefit as well as health risk of trace metals accumulated in both cat fish cultured in earthen and plastic ponds.
A sample of dried fish at 105°C were subjected to proximate analysis which reveal that catfish found in plastic pond have a higher percentage of carbohydrate (40.30%), crude fat (12.04%), ash content (5.78%) with a lower amount of protein (41.86%) than fish from earthen pond which recorded carbohydrate (32.33%), crude fat (0.38%), ash content (5.3%) with a higher percentage of protein (61.02%).
Catfish, scientifically known as Siluriformes are a diverse group of ray-finned fish. There are more than 3000 species of catfish that can be found on all continents except on the Antarctica.
Catfish inhabits freshwater ecosystems such as rivers and streams but some species of catfish are adapted to the life in salt waters and caves. Catfish are one of the most farmed types of fish (their meat is consumed as delicacy around the world).
Catfish are predominately freshwater fish, but saltwater varieties, known as hogfish, also exist. The most commonly cultured species is the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, although a hybrid between the channel catfish and the blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, is growing in popularity.
In Nigeria, catfish can be cooked, grilled, fried and used for different delicacies.
