Prevalence, intensity and abundance of endoparasites in Oreochromis niloticus and Tilapia zilli (Pisces: Cichlidae) from Asa dam, Ilorin,Nigeria
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Date
2015-06
Authors
Amaechi, E.C
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UNED: Research Journal of the Costa Rican Distance Education University
Abstract
Disease is an important factor in fisheries, affecting both
wild and cultured species. Using standard parasitological techniques
we determined the prevalence, mean intensity and abundance of en doparasites from 250 specimens of two cichlids, Oreochromis niloticus
and Tilapia zilli from Asa dam, Ilorin, North Central Nigeria between
February and August, 2013. We found two digenetic trematode para sites: Euclinostomium heterostomum and Clinostomum tilapiae. The
highest prevalence was recorded in O. niloticus (35,9%) infested by C.
tilapiae, while the highest mean intensity was recorded in T. zilli. There
was no relationship (p >0,05) between parasite burden and fish size
(length and weight). Male fish were more heavily infected than females.
The overall health status of both fish species remained unaffected. The
high rate of pollution noticed in the study area might be favoring para site load. Therefore, pollution control and regular surveillance of the
water body are advocated.
Key words: parasites; flatworms; cichlids; Asa Dam; Nigeri
Description
Keywords
abundance, endoparasites, fishes
Citation
Parasites, flatworms, cichlids, Asa dam, Nigeria