A survey on endo-parasites of Clarias gariepinus in some selected fish farms in Owerri west local government area of Imo state, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study was carried out in three different pond locations in Owerri West (namely Beliorck aquatic limited Obinze as Pond A, Eddvic integrated farm limited Ihiagwa as Pond B and Urban fish farm Avu as Pond C), to identify, determine and compare the prevalence of Endo-parasites of Clarias gariepinus. Of the 60 Clarias gariepinus samples analyzed and examined for Endo-parasites by taking a smear of their internal organs for examinations using staining method (Giemsa stain), 5 Endo-parasites were identified and isolated belonging to 3 taxas namely Nematode: Contracaecum sp (11.67%), Camallanus sp (48.33%), Protozoa: Cryptobia iubilans (40%), Trypanosoma sp (35%), Acanthocephalans: Acanthocephalus sp (21.67%). Pond C was found to harbour higher number of Endo-parasites than pond A and pond B. The intestine, stomach, liver and kidney were examined for Endo-parasites of which the stomach (with Pond A 60%, Pond B 40% and Pond C 80%) accounted as the organs with the most Endo-parasitic invasion. Bigger fishes were observed to harbor higher Endo-parasites than the smaller ones.