Method: Fish diets were formulated (M₀, M₁₀, M₂₀ and M₃₀) to contain 0, 10, 20, and 30% of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) respectively, with 20% of shrimp meal added to each as animal protein source. Two commercial fish feeds, foreign (Coppens^TM) and local (Vital^TM), were taken as controls. Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (N= 180) were randomly distributed into 18 plastic tanks (n=10); 3 tanks each for the six respective formulated and commercial diets. Feeding was twice daily for 6 weeks. Feed intake, growth performance, and nutritional quality of the fish were assessed using standard methods.

Results: Food intake, protein efficiency ratio, total weight gain and specific growth rate were in the order of M₁₀ > M₂₀> M₀>M₃₀. M₁₀ fishes were richer in crude fat and protein (25.00, 48.03% respectively) than M₀ (18.49, 46.18%), M₂₀ (20.41, 46.07%) and M₃₀ (18.80, 45.38%); but similar to the control groups (26.25 - 26.76; 50.60 - 51.97%). Crude fibre and carbohydrate contents of the MLM fishes were significantly greater (p<0.05) than the controls but within the group, there were dose dependent increases. Total ash seemed similar (> 10.00%) in all the groups under study.

Conclusion: The results of this study show that dietary supplementation of 10% Moringa oleifera leaf plus 20% shrimp meals is optimal for effective growth performance and nutrient quality in African catfish.