Occurrence of Parasites in Pseudotolithus elongatus and Cynoglossus seneglensis in Cross River Estuary, Nigeria

Abstract

Pseudotolithus elongatus and Cynoglossus senegalensis were examined for ectoparasites and endoparasites in dry and wet season months (November 2002 – April, 2003 and May-October 2003). 96% (76) out of 400 specimens of Pseudotolithus elongatus examined were found to be infected by Capillaria sp, Acanthocephala sp and Diplostomum commutatum. 37% (148) of Cynoglossus Senegalensis were also found to be infected by only Diplostomum commutatum. 17.5% (35), 2.5% (5) and 3.5% (7) of Pseudotolithus elongatus were infected by Capillaria sp, Acanthocephala sp and Diplostomum commutatum respectively during wet season months and 12.5% (25), 0.5% (1) and 3.5% (7) of these parasites respectively during dry season months. Prevalence of 23%, 3% and 5.5% respectively were recorded for these parasites in Pseudotolithus elongatus. Mature Diplostomum commutatum were isolated from Cynoglossus Senegalensis while only the metacercaria of the parasite were isolated from Pseudotolithus elongatus. The parasites isolated from the fish species examined are likely to be responsible for some fish borne infections.


KEY WORDS: Examined, Infected, Parasites, Prevalence, Isolated.


Global Jnl Pure and Applied Sciences Vol.10(4) 2004: 479-483