Comparative Survey of Parasites of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus in Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs in North-Western Nigeria

Aims: The aims of this survey were to isolate, identify, classify and compare parasitic infestation of Clarias gariepinus obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs, Katsina state. Also to investigated the prevalence and infestation of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs, Katsina.

Study Design: The research was conducted in Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs, Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was to compare the parasitic prevalence in Clarias gariepinus obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoir. Three landing sites were selected from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs namely A, B, and C. landing site A water entrance, B middle of the water and C end of the reservoir. Five experimental fish samples were purchased from artisanal fisherman from three sample sites of Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs for the duration of 6 months. Length and weight of fish samples were measured before parasite examination. Isolated parasite was identified using standard keys. Prevalence and incidence were analysed using descriptive statistic.

Place and Period of the Study: Fish samples were obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs Katsina State. Live experimental fish samples were transported to the Biological Laboratory, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State in a plastic container filled with water for identification, before parasitic examination. Experimental samples of various sizes were sampled between June, 2020 and September, 2021.

Methodology: A total of 180 live fish samples of males and females Clarias gariepinus; were randomly obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs. Experimental samples were range between 10.0-15.0cm fry, 15.1-20.0cm fingerlings, 20.0-25.0cm juveniles and 21.0-30.0cm adults. The skin, the gastrointestinal tract of the fish was examined for the presence of parasite, using standard procedures. Examination of the gastrointestinal parasites was done using light microscope for exposure of parasitic worm’s presences. The different experimental fish samples were cut separately to expose the gastrointestinal area. The stomach and intestine region tract were cut off and divided into two portions comprising of the intestine and stomach. The stomach and intestine region was used for worms examination subsequently this is where sustenance is record abundant for the parasitic fauna. Investigation of the skin, fins and gills was done using hand lens for exposure of parasitic appearances. Gills were successively cut out and inserted into isolated petri dishes and detected with a hand lens for parasites identification.

Results: The prevalence in female specimens of C. gariepinus 29 (58.00%) was higher than that of the males 20 (50.00%) in Ajiwa reservoir while in Zobe the prevalence in male specimens of C. gariepinus 22 (46.80%) was higher than that of the females 20 (46.52%). Occurrence and mean intensity of parasitic infection were higher in samples in the Zobe reservoir than those in the Ajiwa reservoir.

Conclusion: The study displayed that the parasitic burdens were higher in C. gariepinus in Zobe environment compared to those obtained from Ajiwa environment. For that reason it was suggested that the stomach and intestinal tract collected from C. gariepinus from the survey region, have to be properly discarded instead of consumption to prevent the spread of infections from fish to human being. It is significant to regulate discharge of waste a round water bodies that will reduce possible actions that may backing a growth in parasitic worms in the environs.