MORPHOMETRIC INDICES AND PARASITES OF FROZEN CLARIAS GARIEPINUS AND OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS SOLD IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

The study on morphometric indices and parasites of frozen Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus sold in Jos metropolis was carried out from January to April 2016. The indices measured were eye diameter, total length, standard length and weight. Twenty-two individuals of each species were measured. The mean of morphometric indices showed a very high significant difference (total length: t = 49.085, df = 42, P < 0.0001; standard length: t = 34.466, df = 42, P < 0.0001; eye diameter: t = 18.139, df = 27.906, P < 0.0001; weight: t = 2.1402, df = 28.785, P < 0.04094) between the two fish species. A total of eight parasites were recorded in this study, of which sporocyst of diplostomatid, Pallisentis tetradontis, Acanthella from Ostracod, Piscicolid leech were found in both fish species. However, Allocreaduim ghanensis, Coracidium and Rhabdochonacon golensis were found in only Clarias gariepinus, while Spinitectus allaeri was only found in Oreochromis niloticus. The prevalence of parasites in relation to internal organs was high in Clarias gariepinus and low in
Oreochromis niloticus. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in prevalence rate of parasites in relation to internal organs of the two fish species. The parasites recorded are of medical importance. This study underscores the need for bio-surveillance of fish borne parasites being sold to the general public. The internal organs of fishes should be discarded before cooking the remaining parts