Prevalence of argulus species in cultivable fish in Chhapiya Village of Rupandeshi district, Nepal

Abstract

Argulus also known as fish lice is a hazardous ectoparasite infecting many fresh water fish species. This research was conducted to determine the prevalence, abundance, and intensity of Argulus in five different carp species (Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharyngodon idella) from the different ponds of Siyari rural municipality. The data was collected from Chhapiya village which is highly known by the name of the fish village and the fish pond was selected randomly. A total of 250 fishes were examined from different ponds for species-wise, sex-wise, and length-wise study of ectoparasite infestation. Species-wise maximum prevalence (50%), abundance (1.4) and intensity (2.8) respectively were found in L. rohita followed by C. mrigala [prevalence 40%, abundance (1) and intensity (2.5)], H. molitrix [prevalence 25%, abundance (0.5) and intensity (2.0)], C. carpio [prevalence 15%, abundance (0.25) and intensity (1.667)] and lastly C. idella [prevalence 10%, abundance (0.15) and intensity (1.5)]. Sex-wise prevalence, abundance, and intensity of Argulus species were found higher in female carp than in male carp. Similarly, length-wise highest prevalence, abundance, and intensity of Argulus species occurred in a small sized group (10-20 cm) of carp than in the largest group (30-40 cm). Lack of awareness about preventive measures and management practices are some of the factors responsible for Argulus infestation which has badly impacted farmers. To eradicate these parasites, efficient curative and effective preventive measures should be applied. Keywords: Abundance, Argulus, Ecto-parasite, Infestation, Intensity