Nematode infection of cultured fish (Clarias gariepinus and Heteroclarias) in intensive and semi-intensive fish tanks

Abstract

:  The Parasitic fauna of fish from intensive and semi-intensive fish tanks of the Department of Fisheries, University of Benin were investigated.  A total of 74 fishes belonging to 2 species were examined. Routine body measurements of fish such as standard length, total length weight and sex were determined, after which the fishes were examined for both internal (endo-) and external (ecto-) parasites.  The only parasite encountered was the nematode, Procamallanus laeviconchus . Of the two (2) fish species examined, only one (Clarias gariepinus from the intensive tank) was infected.  The parasites were recovered from the intestines.  Of the total number of fishes examined, only eight (8) representing 10.81% were infected with parasites.  Sex did not influence the degree of parasite infection in the fishes.

      The occurrence of parasites in the intensive tanks (housing Clarias gariepinus) and none in the semi-intensive tank (housing Heteroclarias) show that there is significant difference (P < 0.05) in parasitic burden between the two systems.  This could be as a result of the higher stocking rate in the intensive system which could create conducive environment for parasite prevalence.