PARASITIC INCIDENCE OF SOME SELECTED TILAPIA SPECIES IN LAKE GERIO JIMETA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the incidence of parasites in Tilapia species in Lake Gerio, Adamawa State. The objectives were to identify Tilapia species, determine common parasites, calculate parasite prevalence, and examine prevalence relative to sex, size, and weight. Eighty Tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus = 58, Tilapia zillii = 22) were collected and examined for internal and external parasites. *Results* showed that 30/80 (37.5%) samples were infected with six parasite species: Trichodina, Dactylogyrids, Contracaecum, Euclinostomum, Acanthocephala, and Clinostomum. Prevalence was higher in females (39%) than males (37%). Size-wise, 7.0-9.0 cm fish had the highest prevalence (65%), while 9.1-11.0 cm fish had the lowest (30%). Weight-wise, 5-10 g fish had the highest prevalence (85%), while 21-25 g fish had the lowest (7%). Parasites were predominantly found in the intestine (47), followed by gills (32) and scale/skin (21). The study highlights the need for sustainable fisheries management practices to reduce parasite prevalence.