Summary:
Aquatic fauna represents a considerable economic potential in Algeria, both in terms of
industry and scientific research. Among them, the freshwater fishes that attract particular
attention given the large number of natural and artificial water plans spread throughout the
national territory. In this context a work on the biotechnological exploitation of African
catfish (Clarias gariepinus) has been carried out. This work has two major orientations: the
processing of canned catfish and the preparation of high-value derived products from coproducts generated during the processing stages.
Canned catfish was made using good hygiene practices. This transformation makes it possible
to produce a large mass of co-products, estimated at about 55%, which have been valorized in
order to prepare fishmeal, collagen, and gelatin and protein hydrolysates. At the end of each
manufacturing process, qualitative and quantitative analyzes were carried out to verify the
quality of products.
In the light of the results obtained, catfish (Clarias gariepinus) can be considered as an
aquaculture species of commercial interest. The processing of this canned with organoleptic
quality satisfactory to valorize this fish, in addition its co-products are an interesting source of
valuable byproducts in the pharmaceutical and agri-food.
Key words: African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, processing, co-products, recovery, by
products.