Prevalence, intensity and abundance of endoparasites in Oreochromis niloticus and Tilapia zilli (Pisces: Cichlidae) from Asa Dam, Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Disease is an important factor in fisheries, affecting both wild and cultured species. Using standard parasitological techniques we determined the prevalence, mean intensity and abundance of endoparasites from 250 specimens of two cichlids, Oreochromis niloticus and Tilapia zilli from Asa dam, Ilorin, North Central Nigeria between February and August, 2013. We found two digenetic trematode parasites:Euclinostomium heterostomum and Clinostomum tilapiae. The highest prevalence was recorded in O. niloticus (35,9%) infested by C. tilapiae, while the highest mean intensity was recorded in T. zilli. There was no relationship (p >0,05) between parasite burden and fish size (length and weight). Male fish were more heavily infected than females.The overall health status of both fish species remained unaffected. The high rate of pollution noticed in the study area might be favoring parasite load. Therefore, pollution control and regular surveillance of the water body are advocated.

Keywords

• parasites
• flatworms
• cichlids
• Asa Dam
• Nigeria