GUT HELMINTHS PARASITES AND HOST INFLUENCE IN NILE TILAPIA, OREOCHROMIS NILLOTICUS

Ohaeri, C. C.

Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology

College of Natural and Applied Sciences

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike

ABSTRACT

Ecological associations of helminthes were studied in 37 Nile tilapia fish from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike fishpond and two streams: Anya and Obo-ogugu in Umuahia during 2001.  Two helminthes parasites, Caryophyllaeldcestode (13) and Euclinostomumheterostomum (6) were recovered.  Parasite load was found to be related to host sex, size (age), concurrent infections and collection site.  Distribution of helminthes in the host intestine was related to the intensity of infection and concurrent infections.  The findings provide strong evidence of increased parasite species richness with individual host body size.