Comparative study of ectoparasites on Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli obtained from Kasuwan Bera of Kofai Area, Ardo Kola LGA, Mayo Gwoi, and Jalingo LGAs, Taraba State, Nigeria

This work was carried out to compare the ectoparasites on Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli obtained from Advanced Teachers College (ATC) Kofai Fish Market (Kasuwan Bera), Ardo Kola LGA, Mayo Gwoi, and Jalingo LGAs, Taraba State, from July to November 2016. A total of 80 randomly selected fishes ( C. gariepinus and T. zilli ) obtained from fish market were examined for ectoparasites. The skin, fins, nostrils, operculum, and buccal cavities scrapping were also examined under a dissecting microscope with dark background. The methods of obtaining parasites were made separately for fish samples from different markets. Fishes were examined for ectoparasites in relation to their size and sex. Of the 80 fish species examined 65(81.25%) were infested. Prevalence of ectoparasite infestation on C. gariepinus and T. zilli were 72.5% and 90% respectively. The male fish has higher percentage infestation (58.82%) than the females (42.18%). Fish with size range of 1.0-9.9 cm recorded the lowest infestation. T. zilli with size range 10.0-19.9 cm had high prevalence of 91.9% infestation. The higher rate of parasite infestation on T. zilli could be attributed to the presence of scale which aids the parasite to hide under. Ectoparasites has no direct effect to consumer, but has effect on fish farms which causes hemorrhagic lesions on the skin making it unappealing to consumers. Gills’ necrosis can result to opportunistic infections by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Keywords : Ectoparasites; fishes; gills’ necrosis.