Capillariasis in <i>Chrysicthys Nigrodigitatus</i> (Catfish), <i>Cynoglossus Senegalensis</i> (Sole) and <i>Pseudotolthus Elongatus</i> (Bobo Croaker) from Cross River Estuary and Adjacent Coastal Waters

Abstract

A total of 400 sample each of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Cynoglossus senegalensis and Pseudotolitus elongatus from Cross river estuary and adjacent coastal waters were examined for Capillaria species using parasitological techniques. 237 (59.3%) 85 (21.3%) and 68 (17.0%) respectively of the 3 fish examined were infected by Capillaria. Monthly prevalence of Capillaria ranged between 15.6% to 100%, 0.0 to 34.1% and 9.0 to 43.2% respectively. Intensity range from 2 to 4, 0 – 3 and 2 to 3 were observed. Hyperytrophy of the ovarian, tissue of C. senegalensis was observed. Histological examination of the intestine of C. nigrodigitatus revealed alteration in the columinar nature of the epithelium which assumed squamous shape. Brunner’s gland was dilated and laminar propria grossly distorted. Generally, infected fish appeared weak and emaciated.