Helminth Parasites in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) in Dadin Kowa Dam, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria

Aim: The aim of the study is to identify helminth parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of Oreochromis niloticus in Dadin Kowa Dam, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, Gombe State.

Study design: Oreochromis niloticus fish species were randomly obtained from the local fishermen in the landing sites; between 7:00am-10:00am weekly.

Place and duration of study: The study was carried out at Dadin Kowa Dam in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State between the months of March to June, 2019.

Methodology: 60 Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) were obtained and examined for gastro intestinal parasites. Sex of the fish was determined by the presence and absent of an intromittent organ. The total length, standard length and body weight was measured using standard method. Dissection was done using standard procedure and the Parasites recovered were identified using the helminth parasites of fish identification guide.

Results: Out of the 60 fish species examined. (23 female and 37 males), 21 (35.00%) were infected and were observed to habour six (6) endoparasites; viz nematodes, Cestodes and trematodes. The results show that there was a significant difference between infection rate, total length and weight of fish with female species having relatively higher percentage prevalence 11(43.50%) than the males 10 (29.70%). It was observed that the prevalence of parasitic infection increase with length and weight of the fish.

Conclusion: Presence of these fish helminth parasites may lead to devaluation in protein constant in the body of the fish. The work therefore recommends water quality assessment of Dams as it is one of the factors that bring about the increase in parasitic infection.