Prevalence of some ectoparasitic diseases in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) at Kafr El-Sheikh governorate

Abstract

Four hundred specimens of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), 100 fish per each season throughout the year; with different sizes and body weight were investigated for seasonal incidence of some external parasites. The results revealed isolation of Dactylogyrus, Gyrodactylus, Trichodina and Chilodinella. The clinical signs, in general, of most examined fishes showed emaciation, dark or pale body coloration, excessive amounts of mucous on the external body surface, scattered hemorrhagic patches, wounds and ulcers on different parts of the body, ascitis as well as congestion of the gills. The highest rate of the infestations was recorded in autumn and winter (15.5%) spring and summer (15%) season; respectively. A higher infection rate of Dactylogyrus sp. was observed during spring and summer (27%), Gyrodactylus sp. during autumn and winter (19%), Trichodina sp. during autumn and summer (12%), and of Chilodenella sp. was during autumn and winter (8%). In addition, the histopathological alterations in the skin and gills of the infested fish were recorded.