Comparing Dermestes maculatus (DeGeer) Infestation of Cured Tropical Freshwater Fishes [Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell)

Abstract

A multiple choice test was used to determine the rate of infestation of D. maculatus on two cured fish species of commercial importance. All the treatments had three replicates and were arranged in randomized complete block design. The infested and non-infested dried fish were subjected to a taste panel of four to evaluate the texture and taste quality of the fish before and after infestation. Percentage weight loss of the fish was also determined 30 days post infestation. A skewed 32% weight loss in C. gariepinus compared with 24.4% in O. niloticus was recorded. The study revealed that D. maculatus infestation rate (number of adults and larvae per fish specimen) was more in C. gariepinus than O. niloticus. Quality (taste and texture) damage was significantly greater in C. gariepinus than O. niloticus (p<0.05). The study also reveals that the entomo-fauna may feed on any material that has animal steroids. The effect of the pest infestation is discussed in the context of taste and texture characteristics, substrate fragmentation and frass weight. There is imperative need to develop appropriate pro-poor control measures which will minimize economic losses due to D. maculatus infestation of stored fish and fish products in the tropics.