Parasitic infection and prevalence in Clarias Gariepinus in Lake Gerio, Yola, Adamawa state

Abstract

This research was designed to study the parasitic infection and prevalence of juvenile and adult stages of Clarias gariepinus in Lake Geriyo. The study was conducted between June and November, 2016. A total of one hundred and thirty-two (132) fish were sampled for parasitic investigation. Out of these, adults (66) and juveniles (66), were procured from fishermen at the landing site. They were examined for parasitic infections using direct wet mount microscopy and stained smears. Fish body weights, and total length, were determined. Data generated were analysed using t-test and chi-square. The results showed that, a total number of 60 adult C. gariepinus were infected out of which 316 parasites were recovered, while in juvenile C. gariepinus, a total of 41 fish were infected in which 80 parasites were recovered. Parasitic infestations in the adult and juvenile females were significantly higher than male adults and juvenile with 91.11% for female adult and 66.67% for female juvenile. Nine classes of parasites and nineteen (19) parasites species were recorded from the gills, stomach, intestine, and skin mucus in the research study. There were significant differences (p<0.05) between incidence of infestation and standard length and body weight of Clarias gariepinus.