Studies on the parasites of cultured <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> (Cichlidae) in a rainforest fish pond in south eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The parasitic infection rates of cultured Oreochromis niloticus in earthened pond in South Eastern Nigeria was surveyed over a 12-month period (July 1999 - June 2000). Out of the 300 specimens examined, 106 (35.33%) were infected with one or more parasites. The parasites recovered were Nematodes: Procamallanus laeviconchus; Trematodes: Gryrodactylus and Dactylogyrus sp.; Annelids: Leeches; Copepods: Argulus. Most of the parasites were recovered from the intestine, body, gills, viscera and skin of the fish. Males were significantly more infected than females (P < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in the infestation rate for dry and wet seasons (P < 0.001).


Key words: Oreochromis niloticus, parasites, earthened pond, Nigeria.


Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.17(1) 2002: 17-20