Ejesmv11i5 1
Ejesmv11i5 1
Ejesmv11i5 1
Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify and estimate the prevalence and intensity of the
infestation of common ectoparasites on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from cage
culture systems at Mpakadam in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region of Ghana.
A total of 210 individual fish samples were collected. The total length of the samples was
measured and they were grouped into phases according to their sizes as Initial Phase (0.1cm
- 7.0cm), Intermediate Phase (7.1cm - 12.0cm) and Final Phase (12.1cm - 18.0cm). Each
sample was then examined for ectoparasites with the aid of a light microscope and hand
lens. Specific parts of the fish, thus the skin, gills, fins and eyes were examined.
Measurement of water quality parameters of the water in the cages were also taken
bimonthly throughout the study period. The study was conducted from December, 2016 to
April, 2017. Out of 210 fish samples examined, 94 samples representing 44.76 % were
infested with ectoparasites. 42.30% of the 78 samples within the initial phase were infested,
43.75 % of 96 samples with the intermediate phase were also infested, while 52.80 % of 36
samples of final phase were infested. Six species of ectoparasites namely, Trichodina sp.,
Diplostomum sp., Argulus sp., Dactyogyrus sp., Lernaea sp. and Ichthyophthirius miltifilis
were identified. Parasites were found on all examined parts of the fish with the skin being
the most infested part of the host. The prevalence and the mean intensity (MI) of parasites
on the host were relatively low. All physico-chemical parameters measured were within the
optimum values for tilapia culture as compared to the standard requirement for tilapia
culture under cage system. The level of intensity of ectoparasites observed in this study,
arguably will not pose a major threat to the fish on the farm in the area. However, critical
attention should be given to the farm by employing best aquaculture management
practices to prevent disease outbreaks due to intensification of ectoparasites.
Key Words: Tropo farms, Mpakadam, Cage culture system, Asuogyaman District, Nile
Tilapia
This work is licensed to the publisher under the Creative Commons Attributions License 4.0
514
Ectoparasite Infestation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) in Cage Culture................ALHASSAN et al.
515
Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 11 no.5 2018
Ghana. This study is however designed to of Ghana for examination. The samples
identify and compile the various were collected from 6 m × 6 m ×6 m
ectoparasites and their rate of infestation cages. The study was conducted within
on the Nile tilapia, O. niloticus cultured in five months (December, 2016 – April,
cages at Mpakadam in the Eastern Region 2017). Sampling was carried out
of Ghana. bimonthly within the study period.
Preparation and Processing of Samples
Materials and methods The total length of all 210 specimens
Study Area were measured and they were grouped
The study was conducted at Tropo into phases according to their sizes as
farms, an aquaculture facility located at Initial Phase (0.1cm - 7.0cm),
Mpakadam which is along the Lake Volta Intermediate Phase (7.1cm - 12.0cm) and
in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Final Phase (12.1cm - 18.0cm). The total
Region of Ghana. It is located on latitude length was measured from the tip of the
6° 34′ N and 6° 10′ N. the longitude is on snout to the extreme end of the caudal fin
0° 1′ W and 0° 14′ E. The topography of and recorded in centimetre using a metre
the area is undulating and the climatic rule dissecting board. The weights of the
condition is within the Dry Equatorial fish were measured by placing the
Climatic zone. It has bi-modal rainfall. individual fish on weighing scales and the
Tropo farms is the largest tilapia readings were taken to the nearest 0.1
production facility in Ghana and the grams. The fish samples were again
second largest in Africa. There are three separated into groups per their weight as
(3) types of cages with different sizes and follows: 0.1 g – 30.0 g; 30.1 g – 60.0 g;
shape on the farm. These are 6 x 6 x 6 m, 60.1 g – 90.0 g; 90.1 g – 120.0 g.
12 x 12 x 12 m and the last type are a Laboratory Examination of Samples
circular cages. The farm have offshore The external parts (skin and the skin
facilities which are mostly the circular mucus, fins, gills, eyes and the scales) of
cages and inshore facilities. The cages are the O. niloticus samples were examined
arranged parallel to each other and for parasites using a prepared wet slide
grouped into nursery units and production which were viewed under light
units. There were about 240 cages on the microscope and magnified hand lens. The
farm at the time of study. These comprised fish samples were examined in accordance
of 195 cages with sizes 6 x 6x 6 m and 45 to the method describe by Paperna (1996)
cages with sizes 12 x 12 x 12 m. and parasites atlas (Barker and Cone,
Sample Collection 2000).
A total of 210 live individuals of Physico-chemical Analysis of the Cage
Oreochromis niloticus were collected Water
with scoop nets from different cages at the Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen
farms and transported immediately in (DO) of the cage water were measured on
plastic container with the cage water to the the farm using multi- purpose probe and
laboratory of the Aquaculture Research the transparency was taken by secchi disc.
and Development Center of the Council The pH was measured in-situ using a pH
for Scientific and Industrial Research - meter (HANNA probe meter, version HI
Water Research Institute (ARDEC, CSIR- 83141). Samples of the cage water were
WRI) at Akosombo in the Eastern Region taken in bottles, which were airtight to
516
Ectoparasite Infestation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) in Cage Culture................ALHASSAN et al.
prevent atmospheric oxygen dissolving standard methods. All water samples were
into it before analysis and also place in an analysed at CSIR-Water Research
ice cube (< 4 °C) to prevent warming of Institute’s laboratory according to
the water to bring about dissolving of the standard methods (APHA, 2005).
nutrients. Ammonium – Nitrogen (Direct Statistical Analysis of the Data
Nesslerization method), Nitrite – Nitrogen Data from the study were analysed for
(Diazotization method), Nitrate – the prevalence, mean intensity (MI), index
Nitrogen (Hydrazine reduction method) of infestation (II) and density of infection
and Phosphate – Phosphorus (Stannous (DI) as follows.
chloride method) was determined by the
The results were presented in tables and graphs using the Microsoft Office Excel (Version
2010).
Table 1: Frequency of ectoparasite infested and un-infested fish in the various phases
Parameters Initial Phase Intermediate Phase Final Phase Total No. of
(cm) (0.1cm - 7.0cm) (7.1cm - 12.0cm) (12.1cm - 18.0cm) fish.
Infested fish 33 (42.30%) 42 (43.75%) 19 (52.80%) 94 (44.76)
samples
Un-infested 45 (57.70%) 54 (56.25%) 17 (47.20%) 116 (55.24)
fish samples
Total 78 (37.14%) 96 (45.71%) 36 (17.14%) 210 (100)
With regards to size of the fish samples, the Intermediate phase was infested with more
parasites than the other phases with a percentage of 45.71%. The Initial phase followed with
37.14% and the Final phase with 17.14% (Table 2).
517
Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 11 no.5 2018
With regards to the body weight of the fish, samples which were within the weight
interval of 0.1 g – 30.0 g were the most infested group with a prevalence rate of 80%,
followed by those within the weight interval of 30.1g – 60.0 g with 17% infestation rate. 2%
and 1% prevalence rate were recorded by samples within 60.1 g – 90.0 g and 90.1 g – 120.0
g respectively (Table 3).
Six ectoparasite species were identified at the end of examining all 210 fish specimens.
The identified species were Trichodina sp. and Ichthyophthirius multifilus of Protozoans
ciliates, Dactyolgyrus sp. of Monogenean, Argulus sp. and Lernaea sp. of Crustaceans and
the Diplostomum sp. These parasites were recovered from the skin, fins, eye and the gills.
The skin was the most dominant external part with high parasites occurrence followed by
the fins. Table 4 shows the parasites and the body part from which they were retrieved.
Table 4: Parasite species with corresponding body parts they were retrieved
Parasite species Family nomenclature Location on the fish
Ichtyophthirius multifilus Ichthyopthiriidae Skin and fin
Trichodina sp. Trichodindae Skin, fins and gill
Argulus sp. Argulidae Skin
Lernaea sp. Lernaeidae Skin
Diplostomum sp. Diplostomatidae Eye
Dactyolgyrus sp. Dactyolgyridae Gill
Out of the six parasites identified on the farm during the study period, Ichthyophthirius
multifilus infestation was observed to be the most parasitic infestation on the farm with
15.70% prevalence, followed by Trichodina sp. with 15.20% and Argulus sp. with 2.90%
518
Ectoparasite Infestation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) in Cage Culture................ALHASSAN et al.
being the least prevalent parasite. Figure 1 shows the details of the prevalence levels of the
various parasite species.
18.00
Prevalence of parasite (%)
16.00
14.00
12.00
10.00
8.00
6.00
4.00
2.00
0.00
Parasite Species
Fig. 1: The prevalence of identified parasites from O. niloticus from cages at Mpakadam
The study was conducted within five Diplostomum sp. was absent in December
months from December, 2016 – April, and its highest was recorded in February,
2017. The month of January, 2017 2017. In the month of April, 2017, all the
recorded the highest parasite infestation of six parasite species were identified.
46 parasites, with Ichthyophthirius December, 2016 recorded only two
multifilis dominating among the species species - Dactyolgyrus sp. and Trichodina
identified. January was followed by April, sp. It also recorded the least parasite
2017 with 22 recorded parasites. occurrence on the farm with 10 parasites
Trichodina sp. was observed in all the while March and February, 2017 recorded
months during the study period and 21 and 18 parasites respectively. These are
recorded its highest in January, 2017. all shown in Figure 2.
519
Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 11 no.5 2018
50
45
40
No. of parasites
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17
Months
Fig. 2: Monthly number of parasites recovered during the five-month study period at
Mpakadam
0.35
0.3
Mean Intensity
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
Trichodina Diplostomum Ichthyophthirius Dactyogyrus Lernaeidae Argulus
Parasites
Fig. 3: The mean intensity of identified ectoparasites from cage culture systems at Mpakadam
The highest mean intensity was observed in January with Ichthyophthirius multifilis been
the highest with a value of 0.8. Trichodina sp. was high in the month of December of 0.7.
Lernaea sp. was zero in the month of December and 0.1 for the rest of the four months (Table
5).
520
Ectoparasite Infestation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) in Cage Culture................ALHASSAN et al.
Table 5: The monthly mean intensity of the ectoparasites from cage system at Mpakadam
Trichodina Ichthyophirius Diplostomum Dactyolgyrus Argulus Larnaea
Months sp. multifilus sp. sp. sp. sp
Dec-16 0.3 0 0 0.7 0 0
Jan-17 0.4 0.8 0.1 0 0.1 0.1
Feb-17 0.5 0.1 0.4 0 0 0.1
Mar-17 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0 0.1
Apr-17 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1
The estimated density of infestation and index of infestation were 0.56 and 52.4 respectively.
Physico-Chemical Parameters of the was from 5.88 to 6.59 with a mean of 6.22
Cage Water ± 0.3. Ammonium-nitrogen ranged from
All the physico-chemical parameters 0.227 mgl-1 to 0.410 mgl-1 with a mean of
measured on the farm were ideal for Nile 0.3364 mgl-1 ± 0.06399 mgl-1. Nitrite-
tilapia culture in fresh water ecosystem. nitrogen was observed to be the same
Temperature was at its apex in the month through the five-month study. The nitrate-
of April, 2017 with a reading of 29.7 °C nitrogen ranged from 0.003 mgl-1 to 0.044
and least in February with 28.0 °C and mgl-1 with a mean of 0.0134 mgl-1 ±
mean of 28.9 °C ± 0.55 °C. Dissolved 0.01539 mgl-1. Phosphate-phosphorus
Oxygen (DO) ranged from 3.6 mgl-1 in ranged from 0.017 mgl-1 to 0.182 mgl-1
January to 4.65 mgl-1 in March with a with a mean of 0.1064 mgl-1 ± 0.052 mgl-
mean of 4.15 mgl-1 ± 0.35 mgl-1. The pH 1
.
521
Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 11 no.5 2018
ponds in Tamale, Ghana identified two lot of stress which makes them vulnerable
protozoans, Trichodina sp. and to parasite infestation. According to
Ichthyophthirius multifilis and Chappell et al. (1994) parasite vectors can
monogeneans. Amoako (2006) on the also be spread by fish eating birds which
other hand work on ectoparasite carry the parasite in their mouth and
infestation on O. niloticus in aquaculture release them during feeding or through
production in the Ashanti Region of their faeces into the water body. These
Ghana found two protozoans, namely, were observed on the farm as fish eating
Trichodina sp. and Tetrahymena sp., and birds were always present.
monogeneans. These parasites were found to be in
The prevalence and the mean intensity mixed infestation on the host as reported
(MI) of parasites on the host were by Otachi (2009). Specific parasites infest
relatively low. Amoako (2006) and particular parts of the host and dominates
Baidoo et al. (2015) also recorded low rate in a particular growth phase. For example,
of prevalence and intensity of parasites on Diplostomum sp. is a trematode
O. niloticus from fish ponds. Baidoo et al. ectoparasite of fish that infest only the
(2015) attributed their result to the eyes (Stewart and Bernier, 1999) and you
moderately good pond water and proper should not expect to find it in any part of
management practices which was the case the fish’s body. This fact was confirmed
of our study. This has further been by the result of this study. The study also
confirmed by Suliman and Al-Harbi indicated that apart from Diplostomum sp.
(2016) that there is a clear relationship which was recovered from only the eye
between ectoparasites and water quality balls, Dactyolgyrus sp. was found only on
and with nutritional quality. Moraes and the gills, Argulus sp. and Lernaea sp. were
Martins (2004) have also indicated that the found on the skin while Trichodina sp. and
presence of ectoparasites is directly Ichtyophthirius multifilus were found on
related to water quality and pond more than one part of the fish (i.e. skin,
management. fins, fin and gill). Similar assertion was
There was generally good farm made by Bychowsky (1957) and
management practice with respect to Malmberg (1990) that primitive
water quality during the study, which monogenean infests primitive fish. The
might have reduced the occurrence of skin therefore was the most infested part
these parasites. Those present were likely of the fish during the study. This may be
to be caused by accidental internal attributed to injuries on the skin as a result
husbandry practices (transporting, grading of stress or the exposed nature of the skin
of the fish and the use of the same to the environment.
equipment in both infected and un- The month of January, 2017 recorded
infected cages), and presence of fish the highest prevalence of 76% followed by
eating birds on the farm. With respect to April, 2017 with 45%. The month with the
transport, it was observed, a week or two least recorded prevalence was December,
after a cage under study had been 2016 with 24%. These values did not
transported, and it records the highest follow any particular pattern and cannot
infestation that particular month. This was be related to any factor. Prevalence with
of the view that during bagging and respect to total length saw the intermediate
transporting of the fish, they go through a phase to the highest infestation with a
522
Ectoparasite Infestation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) in Cage Culture................ALHASSAN et al.
prevalence of 45% followed by the initial and the mean intensity of parasites on the
phase with 35% and lastly, the final phase host were relatively low. The presence of
with 23%. With the weight range, 70% these parasites might result from
prevalence was observed among the fish accidental daily management practices.
with body weight ranging from 0.1g – Environmental conditions of the water had
30g, followed by 24% for 30.1g – 60g, 4% no serious relationship with the
for 60.1g – 90g and 2% for 90.1g – 120g. prevalence and the intensity of the
These may have been because most of the ectoparasites. Physico-chemical
samples examined were within the size parameters measured were within the
range of the intermediate phase and optimum values for tilapia culture as
weight range of 0.1g – 30g. compared to the standard requirement for
Ichthyophthirius multifilis had the high tilapia culture under cage system.
mean intensity on the farm during the The level of intensity of ectoparasites
study period. This may be because it is the observed in this study, arguably will not
largest protozoan parasite of fish and one pose a major threat to the fish on the farm
of the most commonly encountered as in the area. However, critical attention
reported by Koyuncu and Toksen (2010). should be given to the farm by employing
The values for physico-chemical best aquaculture management practices to
parameters measured on the farm were prevent disease outbreaks due to
generally good for the cultivation of Nile intensification of ectoparasites. There
tilapia in freshwater cage systems. should be improvement of internal
Temperature for instance, was within the husbandry practices on the farm since it
desired range as suggested by Svobodova could reduce the rate of handling the fish
et al. (1999) and was very good for Nile during transportation and grading as these
tilapia culture. All the nutrients measured practices make the fish weak and
were also within preferable values for vulnerable to parasites infestation. Also
culture of O. niloticus. Example, equipment used on infected cage should
Ammonium-Nitrogen was from 0.22mgl-1 be treated before using in un-infested
to 0.41mgl-1 which was within the cage. Also, a measure must be put in place
standard reported by APHA, AWWA, and to prevent fish eating birds from entering
WPCF, (1992). Nitrate-Nitrogen, Nitrite- into the cage since these birds serves as
Nitrogen values were below the 0.5mgl-1 agents that carry parasites to the fish.
optimum value as reported by Svobodo et
al. (1999). These may have contributed to Reference
the low prevalence rate and intensity of Amoako, M. (2006). Infestation of
parasites on the fish from the Tropo farms. ectoparasites on Nile tilapia
(Oreochromis niloticus) in
Conclusion aquaculture production in the
Six species of ectoparasites namely, Ashanti Region, Ghana. MSc thesis
Trichodina sp., Diplostomum sp., Argulus submitted to the Department of
sp., Dactyogyrus sp., Lernaea sp. and Marine and Freshwater Biology,
Ichthyophthirius miltifilis were identified. Norwegian College of Fishery
Parasites were found on all examined parts Science, University of Tromsø,
of the fish with the skin being the most Norway. 35
infested part of the host. The prevalence
523
Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 11 no.5 2018
APHA (2005). Standard Methods for the USSR, Moscow and Leningrad (On
Examination of Water and Russian). English translation by W.
Wastewater. 21st Edition, American J. Hargis and P. C. Oustinoff (1961).
Public Health Association/American American Institute of Biological
Water Works Association/Water Sciences, Washington
Environment Federation, Cavichiolo, F., Vargas, L., Ribeiro, R.P.,
Washington DC. Moreira, H.L.M., and Leonardo,
APHA, AWWA and WPCF (1992). J.M. (2002). Níveis de
Standard Methods for the suplementação de vitamina C na
Examination of Water and ração sobre a ocorrência de
Wastewater, 18th ed. American ectoparasitas, sobrevivência e
Public Health Association, biomassa em alevinos de tilápia do
Washington, D.C. USA, Australia Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus L.).
and New Zealand Environment and Acta Scientiarum. Animal Sciences,
Conservation Council (2000) 24(1): 957-964.
Baidoo, K., Abobi, S.M. and Agbeko, E. Chappell, L.H., Hardie, L.J., Scombes,
(2015). Ecto-parasites Infestation of C.J. (1994). Diplostomiasis: the
Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) disease and host parasite
in Concrete Ponds in Tamale, interactions. In: Parasitic Disease of
Ghana, International Journal of Fish (Eds. A.W. Pike and J.W.
Aquaculture, 5(3): 1-5. Lewis), Samara Publishing Ltd. 59-
Barker, D.E. and Cone, D.K. (2000). 86.
Occurrence of Ergasilus celestis FAO (2016). Fishery Country Profile:
(Copepoda) and Republic of Ghana Fisheries and
Pseudodactylogryrus anguillae Aquaculture Sector Development
(Monogenea) among wild eels Plan (2011-2016).
(Anguilla rostrata) in relation to Geets, A. and Ollevier, F. (1996).
stream flow pH and temperature and Endoparasitic helminthes of the
recommendations for controlling white spotted rabbit fish Sigarous
their transmission among captive sator (Valenciennes, 1855) of the
eels. Aquaculture, 187:261-274. Kenyan Coast. Belgium Journal of
Bichi, A.H. and Dawaki, S.S. (2010). A Zoology, 26:21 – 36.
survey of ectoparasites on the gills, Klinger, R.E. and Floyd, R.F. (1998).
skin and fins of Oreochromis Introduction to freshwater fish
niloticus at Bagauda Fish Farm, parasites. Gainesville: University of
Kano, Nigeria. Bayero Journal of Florida Cooperative Extension
Pure and Applied Sciences, 3(1): 83 Service, Institute of Food and
– 86. Agriculture Sciences, EDIS.
Bush, A.O., Lafferty, K.D., Lotz, J.M. and Koyuncu, C.E. and Toksen, E. (2010).
Shostak, A.W. (1997). Parasitology Ectoparasitic Diseases in Freshwater
meets ecology on its own term: J. Ornamental Fish and Their
Parasitology, 83(4): 575-583. Treatments. In: 2nd International
Bychowsky, B.E. (1957). Monogenean symposium on Sustainable
Trematodes, their Classification and Development, Sarajevo. 683-688.
Phylogeny. Academy of Science.
524
Ectoparasite Infestation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) in Cage Culture................ALHASSAN et al.
525