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Effect of Ecto-parasitic Infestations on Histology and Growth of Clarias gariepinus

Author: Baba Tabasum, Shabana Arjamand, Imtiyaz Qayoom, Sameena Khan and Shabir A. Dar

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Abstract

Histological alterations in the skin and gills of Clarias gariepinus vis-à-vis effect on important growth parameters such as percentage gain in head length and percentage loss of body weight was studied in Clarias gariepinus infested with ecto-parasites. Out of 217 total specimens of C. gariepinus collected, 91 fishes were found infested with parasites marking overall percentage prevalence of 41.94%. Three parasitic species including Gyrodactylus, Dactylogyrus and Lernea were recovered in this study attached to gills and skin. Fishes procured were segregated and divided into small (<13cm), medium (14-18 cm) and large (>18cm) groups. It was found that percentage head length was increased in parasitized fishes when compared with the non-parasitized ones. The percentage gain in the head length was 99.2%, 118.27% and 109.47% in small, medium and large groups respectively. Similarly, percentage loss in weight recorded was 89.2%, 90.54% and 93.31% in small, medium and large groups respectively. Histological studies revealed profound skin erosion, gill hyperplasia, blood clots and distorted skins muscles.

Keywords

C. gariepinus, Ecto-parasites, Alterations, Gill, Skin, Growth indices

Conclusion

The behaviour, morphology, and physiology of aquatic organisms are adversely affected by ectoparasites, which lower individual fitness. Parasitic infestations are usually accompanied with the loss in weight and percentage increase in head length of fish. Telangiectasia and aneurism in the secondary gill lamellae, hyperplasia and edema are the most common histological changes induced by those parasites in fish gill. The infected skin reveals eosinophilic infiltration in the integument with muscle fibre atrophy and necrosis in addition to haemorrhages.

References

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How to cite this article

Baba Tabasum, Shabana Arjamand, Imtiyaz Qayoom, Sameena Khan and Shabir A. Dar (2023). Effect of Ecto-parasitic Infestations on Histology and Growth of Clarias gariepinus. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(1): 212-217.