A survey of ectoparasites on the gills, skin and fins of oreochromis Niloticus at Bagauda fish farm, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Six hundred and two specimens of Oreochromis niloticus from Bagauda fish farm, Kano were examined for ectoparasites. Nine hundred and fifty six ectoparasites were found on two hundred and fourteen (35.6%) specimens. Piscine parasites recovered were protozoa and trematodes namely, Ichthyophthirius spp, Myxobolus spp, Clinostomum spp and Euclinostomum spp. Gill infestation was maintained to be higher throughout the year, than that on the skin and fins, and it was found to be statistically different by DMRT at 5% level of probability. Generally trematodes had higher frequency than protozoa in both the seasons (25.58%, 36.33% and 4.30%, 11.00% respectively). Frequency of protozoa infestation is higher in wet Season 11.00% than in dry season 4.30% so is the case with the trematodes, 36.33% in wet season and 25.5% in dry season.