Characterization and Isolation of Bacteria from Adult African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Selected Fish Farms of Rivers State, Nigeria

This research examined the bacterial loads in the intestine, skin and gills of cultured Clarias gariepinus in some selected private farms at Eleme, Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria. Determination of bacterial loads species characterization in fish parts was done using standard microbiological procedures. Results of the assay showed high bacterial count in the gill, gut and skin of fish from the different locations, especially at Emuoha Local Government Area. The total heterotrophic bacteria counts of fish: gills ranged between 1.7X108 and 3.1 X 107; gut ranged between 1.4 X 107 and 7.2 X 106 and skin ranged between 1.5 X 106 and 6.8 X 106 in all the stations under consideration (Eleme, Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt city Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria.). Bacterial genera isolated includs: Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. Enterica sp., Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Shigella sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp. and Citrobacter sp.