Monogenean and cestode infestation in the gills and intestines of Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) in Zarraga, Iloilo and Chanos chanos (Milkfish) in Dumangas, Iloilo

BEVERLY MAE L. CONSTANTINO, LANDER R. GUILLERGAN, CARL WILLIAM P. YABUT, VIRNA JANE M. NAVARRO

Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus, Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines

Abstract

In the Philippines, Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) and Chanos chanos (milkfish) are two economically important fish species. Studies conducted by Echem et al. (2018) and Agbabiaka et al. (2017), respectively have suggested that both of these species have high mean intensity and prevalence of parasites which can cause mortalities in fish. The study aimed to identify and determine the prevalence and mean intensity of parasites present in Clarias gariepinus and Chanos chanos in Zarraga and Dumangas, Iloilo, respectively. The gills and intestines of 30 fish samples from each species were dissected and examined under a microscope. It was found that Dactylogyrus spp. and Gyrodactylus spp., both monogeneans, infected the gills of both species. Meanwhile, varied species of cestodes were only present in the intestines of Clarias gariepinus. A positive correlation was found between the number of parasites present, and the length and weight of Clarias gariepinus, while no correlation was observed in Chanos chanos. This may be explained by the difference in the environmental preference of the fishes.

Keywords: Cestodes, correlation, mean intensity, monogenean, prevalence