PREVALENCE OF PARASITES IN OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS FISH SOLD IN WATT MARKET CALABAR

ABSTRACT Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a hardy, most cultured freshwater fish in the world. It has been contributing to the world aquaculture science the ancient Egyptian days and remains a major freshwater fish species to be cultured. Although tilapias are more resistant to unfavourable water quality than other freshwater fish. The prevalence of parasites of Oreochromis niloticus Nile Tilapia fish in mid Cross River flood system was studied using standard parasitological procedures examination for the presence of parasites. A total number of forty (40) samples of Oreochromis niloticus were examined for the prevalence of intestinal and gills parasites. This study was conducted in September, 2023 with the objective of identifying the major parasites of Oreochromis niloticus to the lowest possible taxa, quantitatively determining the prevalence, mean intensities and mean abundances of parasites. The study utilized necropsy, dissection and microscopy method to examine or endoparasites and ectoparasites. The following parasites were identified Paragonimus egg, Diphyllobothrium, (Paragonimus egg, Anisakidae, Capilaria worm, Lernae, Dactyogrus). The most prevalent was Paragonimus egg. Parasitism in fish has been aided by various ecological factors such as rainfall, temperature, dryness of water, pH, turbidity and a suitable intermediate host. However, man-made factors such as deposit of waste and faeces to some eater bodies also influence the prevalence of parasitism of fish.