Prevalence of Endoparasite in Oreochromis Nilocticus in River Hadejia, North-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Six hundred specimens of Oreochromis niloctus from river Hadejia north–eastern Nigeria were examined using hand lens and microscope between April 2013 and November 2013 for endo-parasites. 492 (82%) of the specimens examined were infected. Parasites recovered were Coccidia spp (46. 37%), Trichodina spp (29.09%) and Capillaria spp (24. 54%). Males (73.37%) were significantly more infected than females (26.83%). Infection increased with
body weight. There was no significant difference in length of fish in relation to infection. Physio- chemical parameters of the river were good and infection was higher in wet season and low in dry season. The presence of these  parasites  may  lead  to  some  pathological  effects  on  the  fish  by  retarding  their  growth,  causing  tissue disruption and even death.

Key words: Oreochromis niloctus, Endo-parasites, River Hadejia