SURVEY OF DACTYLOGYRID AND GYRODACTYLID AS ECTOPARASITE OF CAT FISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS)

Abstract This study investigated the prevalence, identification, and morphometric characteristics of monogenean parasites in Clarias gariepinus from Walai Water Body, alongside an assessment of water quality parameters. A total of 30 fish samples were examined, of which 24 (80%) were infected. Dactylogyrus species recorded the highest prevalence (40%), followed by Gyrodactylus species (30%), while 10% of the fish showed co-infections. Mean parasite intensities were 5.1 ± 2.1 for Dactylogyrus and 4.2 ± 1.8 for Gyrodactylus. Morphological and morphometric analyses confirmed their identities, with Dactylogyrus characterized by an elongated body, large anchors, and oviparous reproduction, while Gyrodactylus was smaller, viviparous, and lacked eyespots. Water quality analysis revealed that temperature (27.5 °C), pH (7.2), conductivity (240 µS/cm), total dissolved solids (160 mg/L), and dissolved oxygen (6.8 mg/L) were within WHO/NSDWQ permissible limits, except turbidity (7.0 NTU), which slightly exceeded the standard. The high parasite prevalence observed may be linked to environmental conditions, particularly turbidity, which favors parasite transmission and host susceptibility. The findings are consistent with related studies across Nigeria and Africa, which report Dactylogyrus and Gyrodactylus as dominant parasites of Clarias gariepinus. The study concludes that monogenean parasites remain a significant threat to fish health even under relatively suitable water quality conditions. It is recommended that regular monitoring of fish and water quality, proper aquaculture management practices, and the adoption of eco-friendly parasite control methods be implemented to sustain fish health and productivity in Walai Water Body and similar ecosystems.