SURVEY OF PISCINE PARASITES OF FISH SPECIES SOLD AT DAMATURU, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract

The present study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in Clarias gariepinus obtained from five different farms in the Damaturu metropolis. A total of 50 fish samples, 10 from each farm, were examined for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites. The results revealed an overall prevalence rate of 47 (100%) among the samples. Among the farms, MBG, WIB, and AMR farms exhibited the highest prevalence rates at 21.28%, followed by OMR farm at 19.14%, and SSM farm at 17.02%. These findings suggest variations in the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among the different farms. Additionally, the study explored the relationship between the gender of the fish and the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. Out of the 50 samples examined, 47 (100%) tested positive, with 24 (51.07%) positive samples among males and 23 (48.93%) positive samples among females. Males showed a higher prevalence compared to females, indicating a gender-based difference in susceptibility to gastrointestinal parasites. The distribution of gastrointestinal parasites was also assessed about the weight (g) and length (cm) of the fish. The highest weight and length relationship was observed in fish from the MBG farm, while the lowest weight and length were recorded in AMR farm samples. These differences in weight and length among fish samples from different locations highlight potential variations in environmental conditions that may influence the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. It was therefore recommended to create a community awareness campaign on the health implications of these parasites which are harmful to both humans and the fishes.