Parasites on cultured Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Trewavas) in a breeding pond at Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Live samples of Oreochromis niloticus collected from the Fish Breeding Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Agodi, Ibadan, were examined for parasitic infestation. The results showed a 66.6 % infection rate, while infection was not sex dependent (p > 0.05) the infection rate increases as length of fish increases. The infection rate of parasites encountered were Clinostomum sp (37%), Caryophilleus sp (3.7%), Capillaria (7. 4%), Dactylogyrus sp (7. 4%), unidentified larvae (7. 4%) and unidentified cyst (7. 4%). The organs affected include the gills, opercula skin, muscles, female gonads, alimentary system. Ecto and endo parasitic infestation were preponderant. The need for close monitoring of the feed and water qualities in aquaculture practices were also discussed.

Key words: Parasites, Oreochromis niloticus, Infestation, Breeding pond.