ECTO- PARASITISM IN JUVENILE INDIAN MAJOR CARPS OF DIFFERENT FISH FARMS OF MYMENSINGH

Abstract

An investigation was made on the ecto-parasitism of juvenile carps of Mymensingh region.  Eight  farms, four Government (Govt.) and four Private (Pvt.) fish farms were investigated for Indian major carps(Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus cirrhosus)  (Catla, Rui and Mrigal)  during  June, 2010 to May, 2012. Monthly samplings were carried out with 5 fish from each species and each farms. Altogether 2880 fish hosts were examined of which 1674 were found to be infested with different groups of parasites during the study period. The ectoparasites were very common in gill, skin, mouth cavity, muscle, base of the pelvic, pectoral, anal, caudal fin and body surface of all fishes. Eleven species of protozoan, thirteen species of  monogeneans and two species of argulus were recorded. The risk of being infestation by parasites in carps significantly (p<0.001) increased when the water quality parameters were deteriorated. Prevalence (%), mean intensity and abundance were found to be species specific and also varied with seasons and management systems practiced by different farmers. Prevalence (%) of ecto-parasites in carps was significantly (p< 0.001) higher in Pvt. farm than that of Govt. farms and was significantly (p< 0.01) higher in rainy season. Rui was more susceptible than Catla and Mrigal.