Assessment of Fish Parasites and their Predisposing Factors in Two Fresh Water Bodies in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Fish is a substantive element for the existence of man. It constitutes a significant ingredient of human meal particularly for its protein content. However, parasitic infections on fish post threat to fish life and potential consumers globally. This investigation seeks to examine fish parasites from two fresh water bodies, Kolo creek and Ekoli River and determine visible factors increasing fish vulnerability to the threating parasites and infections. A total of 112 fish samples were evaluated using the normal saline and preparation of blood smear respectively. The parasites were identified using the pocket naturalist guide. Parasite infestation load reported was 51.0 % with the Kolo creek have 28.6 % and 22.4% observed in Ekoli River respectively. The most prevalent parasite noticed was Ichthyophirus and Ichthyobodo species having actual incident of 18.0% each. However, the most vulnerable fish was Claris auguillaris (36.8 %). The study established that fish vulnerability is related to its food chain affiliation with bottom dweller having increasing risk. The study further suggests that human unhealth attitude toward the fresh water ecosystem can intensify parasitic load on fish. However, individuals with habit of consuming inadequately prepared fish food are at risk of fish to man infections.