Prevalence of Ecto-parasites in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) from Lumi Fish Farm Gezawa LGA, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Artisanal fishermen and fish farmers in Nigeria's inland and coastal waterways are concerned about parasitism of fish and fisheries. This  worry stems from parasite-induced financial losses and adverse health effects that show up as low fish productivity, low marketability of  captured fish, decreased protein availability, and fewer job opportunities as a result of prospective investors' lack of interest in aquaculture. Additionally, parasites can result in physiological harm including immunomodulation, cell proliferation, destructive  behavioural reactions, altered growth, and reproductive damage, as well as mechanical harm such the fusion of gill lamellae and tissue  replacement. To ascertain the prevalence of fish ectoparasites of Clarias gariepinus and the risk factors associated with them, the current  study was conducted from April to June 2024 at Lumi fish farm in Gezawa LGA, Kano State, Nigeria. Ninety fish samples in all were taken  from Lumi Fish Farm and analysed. The samples were divided by sex and identified before being sent live to the Federal University  Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State Fish Biology Laboratory for further analysis. There were 31 male and 59 female fish samples among the 90  samples obtained from Lumi Fish Farm. Fish parasites isolated and shown to be prevalent in Clarias gariepinus collected from Lumi fish  farm include Gyrodactylus spp. 1 (5.89%) and Tricodina spp. 16 (9411%). In conclusion, parasites of economic significance invaded Clarias  gariepinus from Lumi fish farm. The results imply that the parasite infections that have been identified may have a negative impact on  Clarias gariepinus and, if left unchecked, may spread to humans who eat the fish. Therefore, it is advised that residents around the  reservoir refrain from engaging in activities that might increase the parasite burden. Additionally, in order to prevent zoonotic infections,  Instead of being eaten, the fish organs that are removed from the study area should be discarded.