1

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Fish is a cheap and important source of protein. It contains lipids, minerals,

oils and vitamins. Clarias gariepinus family clariidae is generally considered to be

one of the most important tropical catfish species for aquaculture in West Africa

(Clay 1992). Clarias spp inhabit calm freshwaters ranging from lakes, streams,

rivers, swamps to flood plains, many of which are subject to seasonal drying. The

most common habitat of catfish is flood plains, swamps and pools. The catfish can

survive during dry season due to possession of accessory air breathing organs.

Since the last three decades, Clarias gariepinus has been considered to hold great

promise for fish farming in Africa, the fish having a wide geographical spread, a

high growth rate, resistant to handling and stress and well appreciated in a wide

number of African countries.

The rearing of fish in ponds is associated with problems that boarder on

basic nutritional requirements and acceptable management principles. Catfish

Clarias gariepinus is generally classified as omnivores or predators feeding mainly

on aquatic insects, fish and higher plants debris as reported for catfishes in the

River Ubangui,Central African Republic (Micha 1995). They have also been found
 2

to feed on terrestrial insects, mollusks and fruits. (Bruton, 1991) found that adult

catfish fed mainly on fish or crustacean, while terrestrial and aquatic insects were

the important diet of juvenile and adult fishes inhabiting shallow areas. The

catfish utilize various kinds of food resources available in their habitats.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1) To investigate the incidence of gastro intestinal helminthes of catfish Clarias

gariepinus in five fish farm in Rivers State.

2) To determine the public health implication of the parasite.

1.3 IMPORTANT OF THE STUDY

This research work will:

i) Give an epidemiological picture of helminthes parasites in catfish.

ii) The result could be use to improve fish farming in Rivers State.

iii) The result will also expose areas of future research for research minced

students.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

 3

The study is hinted to the investigation of gastro intestinal helminthes in five fish’s

farm in Rivers State.

CHAPTER TWO
 4

LITERATURE REVIEW

There is appreciable documentation of parasite fauna of C. gariepinus in Nigeria

and these parasite fauna of fishes especially used in aquaculture is in the increase,

the helminthes parasite include Ascaris (round worms), Plathyhelminths (flat

worms) and are parasitic in origin.

In the Northern Nigeria, a number of gastro- intestinal helminthes worms have

been documented in Clarias gariepinus by Oniye et al (2004) in Zaria and Yakubu

et al. Oniye (2002) also reported the occurrence of cestdes, Anomotaenia spp.

(2.5%) Monobothrium spp. (13.33%) and Polyonchobothrium claria (1.67%); the

nematodes Procamallanus laevionchus and an acanthocephalan

Neoechinorhynchus rutli(0.83%).

One of earliest reports in Nigeria in land waters concerning fish parasite was that

of Aulachie (1992) who documented preliminary information on the parasites of

fish in the Kaingi reservoir. He observes that not many fishes were infected.

However, in a similar study, Ukoli (1996) observed heavy parasitic infection of fish

species from the same reservoir. Similarly the works of Oniye et al (2004) in Zaria,
 5

Yakubu et al (2002) in Plateau State, Ibiwoye (2004) et al in Bida were of great

value. Various parasites are associated with Clarias gariepinus in the wild and

cultured environment they cause mortality, morbidity and economic losses in

aquaculture practice in various part of the world.

As a sequence of the wide geographic spread, the diverse and non specific food

types or diet, the commercial aquaculture values of the catfish, Clarias gariepinus

, an investigation of the helminthes fauna was undertaken to evaluate the nature

and impact of helminthes infections in the southern of the country.

Oniye et al (2004) in Zaria, Nigeria, is Olated five species of helminthes parasites

comprising three cestodes, one nematode, and one a Acanthocephalans, in the

present study no Acanthocephalans species was recorded. The parasite of C.

garienpinus varied from the southern and northern hemisphere of the country.

This is significant from the aquaculture view point.

 6

Imam (1993), reported and incidence of Polyonchobothrium clarras as high as

42% for while Sawa (1982) recorded the prevalence of 22% in Manzalla lake

Egypt. However, a low parasite prevalence and burden were observed in this

survey. Yakubu et al. (2002), in a comparative study of the helminthes of Tilapia

Zilli and Clarias gariepinus from Rivers Uke, Plateau State, Nigeria, reported a 55%

prevalence of helminthes infections in Clarias gariepius.

Climatologically factors which influence the fauna and flora of water body

and hence the feeding patterns and habits of the fishes may be responsible for

the variable parasite fauna and intensity in the different zones in the country.

Geo-climatic factors apart from influencing the prevalence and intensity of the

helminthes infection probably play a significant role in the parasite fauna of

Clarias gariepius in Nigeria.

Paracamallanus cyathopharynx is and Ovoviviparous camallanid nematode whose

larvae are liberated in the gut of the host and pass out with the faeces (1994) The

first mount of the parasite take place in the copeped intermediate host and the

last two mounts take place in the fish. It is speculated that the utilization of the
 7

copepods as food by the catfish in the lagoons is minimal and higher in the small

size fishes.

Available physical space, the geographical position, physic- physical factors of the

water body, the nature of diet will influence the nature and the frequency and

intensity of helminthes infections in the aquaculture of catfishes.

It is important to note that many helminthes parasites in the alimentary canal of

fish are pathogenic. The pathogenically effects of these helminthes are as a result

of the mechanical damage caused by the attachment organs.

Polyonchobothrium clarias has been known to induce lesions on the intestines of

Clarias gariepius. Banhawy et al (1991), reported degenerative changes in the gut

walls of synodontis schall. Some pseudophiilid cestodes are known to cause

irritation of gastric Mucosa of fish (William 1986, Euzet 1992).

Fish parasites are important because they affect fish production particularly under

culture systems, by decreasing yield, aesthetic value, marketability, palat ability

and reproductive potential (Ibrahim et al, 2001, Oniye et al, 2004) and if left

uncurtailed, may lead to mass mortality of fish or in some case, infection of man
 8

and some other animals that feed of fish. They are therefore studied with a view

to understand their population biology and elucidate their life cycles in order to

develop an efficient approach of controlling them. In view of the commercial

importance of Clarias gariepius and its aqua cultural potential, the study of its

parasites under natural conditions become imperative as it will but only enhance

the sustenance of the fish but also forms the basis for information on the

potential risk of disease and pathogens expected during the aqua cultural

development of the species.

2.2 HELMINTH PARASITES

Helminthology is the study parasitic worms and their effect of their host. The

word helminthes comes from Greek word helminthes, a kind of worm.

Parasitic worms or helminthes are a division of eukaryotic parasites that , unlike

external parasite such as lice and fleas, live inside their host. They are worm like

organisms that live and depend on living hosts receiving nourishment and

protection while disrupting their hosts’ nutrient absorption, causing weakness

and disease. Those that live inside the digestive tract are called intestinal

parasites. They can live inside humans as well as other animals.

 9

Intestinal helminthes are a type of intestinal parasite that resides in the

gastrointestinal tract. They represent one of the most preval4ent forms of

parasitic disease. Helminthes are multicellular (Metazoal worms or worm –like

animals. They may be parasitic or free living. Since they are multicellular, most

helminthes may be easily seen with the naked eye in the adult form and are not

truly within the scope of micro-biology.

2.3 CLASSIFICATION OF HELMINTHES

Helminthes are found in two phyla of the subkingdom metazoan (multicellular

animals).

a. Phylum: Platyhelminthes (flat forms)

Class I : Cestoda (tape worms)

Class ii : Trematoda ( flukes)

b. Phylum : Aschelminthes

Class I : Nematoda (round worms, thread worms)

NAMATODES (ROUND WORM)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Aschelminthes
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Class Nematoda

Order Ascaroidea

Genus Ascarida

Species Galli

CESTODE (FLUKES)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Platyhelminthes

Class Cestoda

Sub class cestodaria/Eucestoda

Order Taenioidea

Genus Taenia

Species sohum

TREMATODES (TAPE WORM)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Platyhelminthes
 11

Class Trematoda

Subclass Trematodea

Order Echinostomoda

Family Fasolidea

Genus Fasiola

Species hepatica

2.4 BIOLOGY/LIFE CYCLE OF HELMINTHES PLATYHELMINTHES

This is a phylum of acoelomate invertebrates comprising the flat worms,

characterized by flattened unsegmented body. The simple nervous system shows

some concentration of cells at the head end. The mouth leads to a simple

branched gut without an anus. Flat worms are hermaphrodite but self fertilization

is unusual. Many species are parasitic while some are free- living. The parasitic

ones are cestoda and trematoda.

TREMATODA

This is a class of parasitic flatworm comprising the flukes, such as fasciola (Liver

flute). Flukes have suckers and hooks to anchor themselves to the host and their
 12

body surface is covered by a protective cuticle. The whole life cycle may either

occur within one host or require one or more intermediate hosts to transmitted

the infective egg or larvae. Trematodes are dorsoventrally flattened, some being

leaf-shaped and some long and narrow. The gastra-intestinal jlukes have thick

fleshy bookies. Some of the trematodes have the ability to reproduce asexually

and multiply ij aquatic or amphibious snails which they require as intermediate

host in order to complete their life cycles.

LIFE CYCLE

The life cycle of the blood fluke involves two hosts. A human being and a water

snail. The larvae (miracidia) of the blood fluke multiply in the body of the water

snail and develop into tiny worms called cercariae. Human being becomes

infected when they drink or bathe in water contaminated with cercariae. The

cercariae penetrate the skin and tissues and enter the blood stream where they

feed and grow. They finally settle in the vines of the urinary bladder or intestine

where they develop into adult worms that lay numerous eggs, The eggs leave the

bodies of the human hosts via their faeces and urine when the eggs get into water

bodies, they develop into miracidia which in fact water snail and the cycle repeat

itself.(Idodo, 2004)
 13

CLASS CESTODA

This is a class of flat worms comprising the tape worms-ribbon-like parasites

within the gut of vertebrates. Tape worms are surrounded by partially digested

food in the host gut so. They are able to absorb nutrients through their whole

body surface. The body consists of a scolex (head), bearing suckers and hooks for

attachment and a series of proglottides which contain make and female

reproductive systems. The life cycle of tapeworm requires two hosts. The primary

host Taenia Solium has man for its primary host and the pig as its secondary host.

Mature proglttides, containing thousands of fertilized eggs leave the primary hist

with its faeces and develop into embryos and then larvae that continue the life

cycle in the gut and other tissues of a secondary host.

LIFE CYCLE

A ripe proglottide with numerous fertilized eggs breaks off from the rest of the

tape worm and passes out with the faeces into soil. A man is the Primary host.

The eggs remain viable for weeks in the soil. If pig which is the secondary host

eats the eggs, the hatch into larvae In the small intestine of the pig. The larvae

bore through the walls of the small intestine and enter the general blood or
 14

lymphatic circulation and are carried to the muscles where they develop into cyst-

like “Bladder worms “ or Cysticerci.

A man becomes infected when he eats a raw or inadequately cooked meat usually

(Pork) infected with bladder worm. The bladder worm passes into the small

intestine and grows into an adult tapeworm in 5 to 12 weeks and attach itself into

the walls of the small intestines of the host by means of its hooks (Idodo, 2004).

CLASS NEMATODA

A phylum of pseudocoelomate invertebrates comprising the roundworms. They

are characterized by a smooth narrow cylindrical unsegmented body tapered at

both ends, they shed their though outer cuticle four times during life to allow

growth. The microscopic free-living forms are found in all part of the world, where

they play an important role in the destruction and recycling of organic matter. The

many parasitic nematodes are much larger and they reproduce sexually, unlike

the flatworms, the sexes are usually separate in Roundworms.

Parasitic roundworms are of economic importance because they cause diseases in

living organisms as well as crop plants. Examples include the common

roundworms (Ascaris), hook worms, filarial worms and thread worms.(Idodo,

2004)
 15

LIFE CYCLE OF GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES

Adult nematodes inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Egg produce by the female are

passed out in the faeces. The eggs embryonate and hatch into first stage larvae

(L1) which in turn moult into second stage larvae (L2) shedding their protective

cuticle in the process. The L2 larvae moult into third stage larvae (L3), but retain

the cuticle from the previous moult. This double cuticle L3 is the infective stage.

The time required for the egg to develop into infective larvae depends on the

temperature. Under optimal conditions (high humidity and worm temperature),

the developmental process requires about 7 to 10 days. In cooler temperature the

process may be prolonged.

Adult female nematodes produce eggs, the period between infection of and

animal by ingestion of infective L3 larvae and the first egg produce by the adult

female parasite is called prepatent period. This period is different from different

species of parasites.

Different species of nematodes have different egg producing capacities. The

individual female cooperia, for example produces many eggs but is not very

pathogenic. Femel of trichstrongglus are quite pathogenic but produce few eggs.
 16

This means that the number nematode eggs in a faecal sample are not and

accurate indication of gastrointestinal parasite.

The number of eggs produced by and adult female nematode also depend

on the level of immunity the host possesses to the intestinal parasite. I n addition,

adult femele nematodes may increase their egg output around the time the host

gives birth (Parthrition);

The number f eggs detected in the faeces also depends of the consistence

of the faeces. Diarrhoetic faeces often contain lower number of eggs per gram

than formed faeces due to the affect of dillution.

In summary, the number of parasite eggs found in the faeces is influnced by:

i) Number of adult parasites established in the gastrointestinal tract.

ii) Level of host immunity

iii) The age of the host

iv) Species of parasite

v) Stage of infection

vi) Parturition
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vii) Consistency to faeces

viii) Stage of infection

The effect of these parasites is strongly dependent of the number of parasites and

the nutritional status of the animals they are infecting.

Helminthes, generally, contribute to malnutrition by decreasing host nutrient

intake, increasing nutrient excretion and/or decreasing nutrients utilization.

Ascaris lumbricoides, often in large number in the small intestine consumes a

good deal of the host’s food. Hlaing (1993) and Hadju et al (1996) reported that

infection with Ascaris contributes to childhood malnutrition and retard growth.

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CHAPTER THREE
MATERIAL AND METHOD
3.1 SAMPLE AREA: The samples were collected from five different fish farms
in Rivers State. Fingerlings, juveniles and adult catfish are kept in different fish

ponds, and some of these ponds are rectangular, square shaped and circular in

structure which are arrange in a linear form.

3.2 COLLECTION OF SPECIMENS

Live catfish (Clarias Ganepinus) were collected from each of the five fish farms in

well labeled containers. They were prepared in this aquarium and brought to the

laboratory and kept in the aquarium filled with water from the aquarium the fish

were taken out and dissected to expose the alimentary canal. The alimentary

canal was there after removed and sectioned into its various part: esophagus and

stomach, intestine and rectum. The gut was used for parasitic examination

because this is food will be most abundant for the parasites. After exposing the

gut, the faeces were collected and put into well labeled specimen bottles, and
 19

then 10% formalin solution was poured into the specimen bottle in order to

preserve the content of the bottle.

This operation was carried out for all the fishes brought from the five fish farms

and the solutions got from all the fishes were put n separate labeled specimen

bottles and were kept in the refrigerator for culture microscopic examination.

3.3 LABORATORY EXAMINATION

The samples were brought out for the examination of the helminthes and their

eggs which begin or start a new life cycle to form an adult worm.

Microscopic examination was carried out with the aid of an electronic microscope

to analyze the solutions gotten from the gut of each specimen. Then the results

obtained were recorded accordingly.

3.4 DISTRIBUTION OF QUESTIONAIRE

Sample questionnaires were used to determine the factors responsible for the

development or infection of gastrointestinal helminthes in catfish (Clarias

gariepinus ).

A total of one hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to the five

farms equally, i.e. each farm was given a total of thirty questionnaires
 20

respectively. In each of the farms, the questionnaires were handed over to the

chief director and were later distributed to his co-workers in different sections of

the farm.
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CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 RESULTS
This chapter deals with the presentation of results obtained in the study of

gastrointestinal helminthes in catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and analysis of data. The

statistical tool used is chi-square [x2=∑(0=c)2].

.
TABLE 1: OCCURAENCE OF HELMINTHES PARASITES IN RELATION TO FARMS
SAMPLED
NO OF FISH SAMPLE NO OF FISH SAMPLE
NAMES OF FARM NO OF FISH EXAMINE POSITIVE % NEGATIVE %
GRACE FARM 35 15 (45%) 20 (57%)
DELTA FARMS 50 26 (52%) 24 (48 %)
WILGRON FARMS 40 26 (27%) 29 (72 %)
TOBENA FARMS 45 28 (62 %) 17 (37%)
AFRICAN REGIONAL 55 36 (65%) 19 (34%)
AQUACULTURAL CENTRE
TOTAL 225 116 (51.5%) 109 (48.4%)

A total of 225 fishes were brought form all the farms and were examine between
April to August 2010. The total infection rate was 116 (51.5%). The result obtained
from the farms sampled, size and sex are presented in the following tables
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TABLE II POSITIVE SAMPLE NEGATIVE SAMPLES

NAMES OF FARM CLASS OBSERVED CAL CLASS OBSERVED CAL
GRACE FARM 35 15 7.73 35 20 9.69
DELTA FARMS 50 26 13.40 50 24 11.63
WILGRON FARMS 40 11 5.67 40 29 14.05
TOBENA FARMS 45 28 14.44 45 17 8.24
ARAC 55 36 18.56 55 19 9.20
TOTAL 225 116 109

X2= {15-7.73}2 + {26 -13.40}2 + {11 -5.67}2 + {28-14.44}2 + {36 – 18.56}2 +

7.73 13.4 5.67 14.44 18.56

{20-9.69)2 + {24-11.63}2 + {29-14.05}2 +{17-8.24}2 + {19-9.20}2

9.69 11.63 14.05 8.24 9.20

X2 = 6.84 + 11.85 + 5.01 + 12.73 + 16.39 + 10 97 + 13.16 +15.91 + 9.31 + 10.44

Calculated X2 = 112.61
Df = {r – 1} { c - }
= {5 – 1} {2 – 1]
=4x1
Df = 4
Decision rule: if X2 calculated is more than x2 table then reject the null hypothesis.
X2 calculated = 112.61

X2 table valve = 11.668

Since the X2 calculated is more than the X 2 table value the null hypothesis is

rejected.

TABLE III OCCURRENCE OFHELMINTHES PARASITES IN RELATION TO SEX

 23

MALE NO NO INFECTED FEMALE NO NO INFECTED

NAMES OF FARM EXAMINED EXAMINED
GRACE FARM 25 15 (60 %) 10 6 (60 %)
DELTA FARMS 35 26 (74.2%) 15 8 (53.3%)
WILGRON FARMS 23 11 (47.8%) 17 11 (64.7%)
TOBENA FARMS 22 10 (45.4%) 23 12 (52.15)
AFRICAN REGIONAL 30 21 (705) 25 15 (60%)
AQUACULTURAL CENTRE
TOTAL 135 83 (61.4%) 90 52 (57.7%)

TABLE IV: MALE FEMALE

CLASS OBSERVED CALCULATED CLASS OBSERVED CALCULATED
25 15 9.22 10 6 3.47
35 26 15.99 158 8 4.62
23 11 6.76 17 11 6.36
22 10 6.15 23 12 6.93
30 21 12.91 25 15 8.67
135 83 90 52

X2 = (15-9.22)2 + (26 – 15.99)2 + (11 -6.76)2 + (10 -6.15)2 + (10 – 6.15)2 +

9.22 6.76 6.15
15.99 6.76

(21 – 12.91)2 + (6 – 3.4)2 + (8 - 4.62)2 + (11 – 6.36)2 + (12 -6.93)2 + (15-8.67)2

12.22 12.22 4.62 6.36 6.93 8.67

X2 = 3.62 + 10.87 + 2.66 + 2.41 + 5.07 +1.84 +2.47 + 3.39 + 3.71 + 4.62

X2 calculated = 40.66

Df = (r – 1)(c – 1)

(5 – 1)(6 -1)
 24

4 x 1 =4

Df = 4

Decision rule: If X2 calculated is more than X2 table then the null hypothesis is

rejected.

X2 calculated = 40.66

X2 table value = 11.668

Since X2 calculated is greater than X2 table then reject the stated null hypothesis.

TABLE V: OCCURRENCE OF HELMINTHE PARASITES IN RELATION TO SIZE

NAMES OF FARMS FINGERLINGS JUVENILES ADULT

NO NO NO NO NO NO
EXAMINED INFECTED EXAMINED INFECTED EXAMINE INFECTED
D
GRACE FARM 10 5 (50%) 10 5 (50%) 15 8 (53%)
DELTA FARMS 10 5 (50%) 15 7 (46.6%) 25 12 (48%)
WILGRON FARMS 5 2 (40%) 10 5 (50%) 25 17 (68%)
TOBENA FARMS 10 6 (60%) 25 15 (60%) 10 10 (50%)
AFRICAN REGIONAL 10 4 (40%) 25 12 (48%) 20 10 (50%)
AQUACULTURAL
CENTRE
TOTAL 45 22(48.8) 85 44 (51.7%) 95 52 (54.7%)

TABLE (VI) FINGERLINGS JUVENILES ADULTS

 25

CLAS OBSERVED CAL CLAS OBSERVED CAL CLAS OBSERVED CAL

S S S
10 5 2.4 10 5 2.59 15 8 4.38
4
10 5 2.4 15 7 3.62 25 12 6.57
4
5 2 9.7 10 5 2.59 25 17 9.31
8
10 6 2.9 25 5 2.59 25 5 2.74
3
10 4 1.9 25 12 6.21 20 10 5.47
6
45 22 85 44 95 52

X2 = (5-2.44)2 + (5-2.44)2 + (2-9.78)2 + (6-2.93)2 + (4- 1.96)2 + (5-2.59)2 +

2.44 2.44 9.78 2.93 1.96 2.59

(7-3.62)2 + (5-2.59)2 +(15-7.76)2 + (12-6.21)2 + (8-4.38)2 + (12-6.57)2 +

2.44 2.59 7.76 6.21 4.34 6.57

(17-9.31)2 + (5-2.74) + (10 -5.47)2

6.57 2.74 5.47
 26

CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 DISSCUSION CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This result of the investigation reveals a high infection rate in the catfish used for

the study. In grace farms 35 fishes were sampled and 15(42%) was infected. In

Delta farms (Ereka) 50 fishes were sampled and 26 (52%) was infected. In Wilgron

farms (Rumuolumeni) 40 fishes were sampled and 11(27%) was infected. In

Tobena farms (Rumuikise) 45 fishes were sampled and 28(62%) was infected. In

African regional Aqua cultural centre (Aluu Choba) 55 fishes were sampled and

36(65%) was infected. The high infection rate 116 observed in the study could be

related to poor sanitary condition and feeding pattern.

DISCUSSION

Parasitic worms are frequently found in the guts and in the flesh of fish. Although

only a small proportion of fish sold to the public is affected in this way. The worms

are unsightly and consumers naturally object to their presence.

 27

Advises on the conditions required to kill the parasites and comment of standards

for dispelling common misunderstanding of the problem and for dealing with

complaints from consumers.

The national and international feed companies provides feeds formulated

specifically for catfish, as do many local feed mills in regions where catfish culture

is concentrated. The prepared feeds referred above consist of various

combinations of plant proteins such as Soybean meal. Cotton seed meal, corn

meal, peanut. (Groundnut) meal and wheat, supplemented with vegetable oil,

vitamins and minerals. Very little, if any animal protein (e.g. fish meal) is currently

employed in grow-out feeds for catfish.

The higher feeding activity of catfish noticed in the dry season in a bid to building

more fat stores in preparation for breeding in the raining season (Owolabi

2005,2007) may have accounted for the high incidence and intensity of parasitic

infection in the dry season than in the rains. These seasonal changes in intensity

and infestation pattern of helminthes parasite may also be associated directly

with the reduction in water level of the ponds noticed during dry season (Owolabi

2005,2007),thus enhancing much higher contact between the host and infective

stages of the parasites than in the rainy season.

 28

Aken Ova(1999) is of the view that higher infestation during the rainy season may

be due to increase in host population due to spawning, abundance of food and

increase host activities in lager volume of water hence increase encounter with

the effective agent. Wootton (1992) emphasize seasonal diet shift of fish during

the various seasons throughout the year, this may result indifference in degree of

resistance to infestation.

CONCLUSION:

Although, no apparent pathological effect was observed of the fish, the generally

high incidence of helminthes infection is however enough to cause a serious

havoc with far reaching consequences in any culture system were high biomass of

fish species over a limiting space enhances a closer contact between the parasite

and the host.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The aquaculture development of the species may have to depend of the

collection of fingerlings and or parent brood stocks from the wild. Therefore, care

must be taking in stocking any culture system with stocks from the wild during dry

season. The incorporation of anti helminthic therapy into the diets of catfish

(Oniye et al, 2004) may prevent infestation, thus providing a better aquaculture
 29

condition and offer solutions to some f the problems of farmers. Also fish

parasitism can be reduced controlled by avoiding overcrowding, eliminating

intermediate/definitive host of the parasites through occasional surveillance and

treatment with the increase interest in aquaculture it is essential to have facilities

and services for treatment and control of fish disease of ground. Good culinary

practice should be insured as this will reduce greatly, any risk of infection in

human.

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catfish species, clarias gariepinus Burchll, herteroranchus nidorsalis Geofery

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Cheng T. (1973). General parasitology. Academic press, new York, USA. P.965.
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Eyo AA, Olatunded AA(2001), Protein and amino acid requerements of fish with

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Faturoti EO, Balogun AM, Ogwu LLC (1986). Nutrient utilization and growth

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