Parasites and Morphometric Indices of Frozen Fish Sold in Nsukka Urban Market, Enugu State, Nigeria

Ic Okoye,Po Nwadike,Rnn Obiezue,Da Dakul

doi:10.4314/br.v7i2.56605

Abstract

The parasites and morphometric indices of frozen fish sold in Nsukka Urban Market in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria were investigated between June and December 2008 to determine the parasite prevalence, mean intensity and abundance and some morphometric indices associated with parasitism. Two species of acanthocephalan endo-parasites were isolated from Savreda sp namely, Gorgorhynchus sp and Paragorgorhynchus sp with overall prevalence of 35.4%. The mean intensity for Gorgorhynchus sp was 14.1+0.2 and the mean abundance was 10.0+0.1. Paragorgorhynchus sp had mean intensity of 1.2+0.1 and mean abundance of 10.0+0.1. Some morphometric characteristics were calculated to correlate weight against standard length (SL) and total length (TL). There was a significant correlation between mean SL (2.76 + 0.59 cm) and mean TL (3.23+0.15 cm) with mean body weight (BW = 320 +0.49g) for Sardinella sp and mean SL (32.6+0.71cm) and TL (35.9+0.66 cm) with mean BW (440+0.13g) for Savreda sp. The mean condition factor (K) fell in 0.01+0.001 in both species, this shows that the fish overall condition is in a good state, whereas b-value (b=1.7) shows that the Savreda sp which hosted parasite had a negative allometric growth pattern (b3) showing a positive allometric pattern. The negative allometric pattern for Savreda sp is probably as a result of the parasites they hosted.Keywords: Parasites, Morphometric Indices, Frozen fish

Highlights

The world is presently witnessing soaring population and scarce resources
This study investigated the morphometric indices and parasitic fauna of frozen fish brought in for sale to local consumers at an urban market
Examination of fish specimens for parasites: The external body surfaces viz. scales, gills, fins, opercula and eye were examined for ecto-parasites with the aid of a hand lens and the fish was de-scaled and the scales kept in normal saline in a Petri dish to dislodge any parasite present

Summary

Introduction

The world is presently witnessing soaring population and scarce resources. There is a high demand for protein. Due to the high cost of beef, fish has emerged as a source of essential animal protein as it is relatively cheap, affordable and available. The issue of fish parasite and disease has posed serious challenge to fish biologists and aquaculturists. It is an issue of both health and economic concern. The parasites cause damages to organs and tissues, often resulting to ill health and death in extreme conditions, without adequate care. Often, this happens when the food source is not well cooked. Studies involving marine fish parasites reveal that the economically important parasitic groups include the micro parasites viz.

Materials and Methods

Results

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