Effect of Dactylogyrus Parasite on External Organs of the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the type of ectoparasite in the adult tilapia. For this study, 20 specimens of the tilapia fish, with an average weight of 247.68± 69.47g, were collected. The fish samples were placed in the rearing unit at the Higher Institute of Maritime Fisheries, Agadir, Morocco. The study was conducted from October 2023 to April 2024. 16 samples were examined in the physiology and oceanography laboratory. The samples were eviscerated to detect the parasite. The fish had ectoparasites in the gills, eyes, and on scales. The parasite was identified as Dactylogyrus sp. and was found only on the tilapia’s scales and in its gills.