African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (5), pp. 625-630, 5 March 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Parasitological examinations and food composition in the gut of feral African carp, Labeo coubie in the Cross River, Southeastern, Nigeria

Ezekiel O. Ayotunde*; Stephen N. Ochang and Irom B. Okey

Department of Animal Science/Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Cross River University of Technology, Obubra Campus, PMB 102 Obubra, Calabar Cross River State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding authors E-mail: eoayotunde@yahoo.co.uk.  Phone: +2348059791815 or +2348034676290.

Accepted 26 January, 2007

The food composition and the parasitic infections of the African carp (Labeo coubie) were investigated. Analysis of stomach content of 445 specimens of L. coubie in the Cross River shows that it as a detritivore/herbivore, as well as a benthic feeder with a wide feeding range. There was no significant difference in seasonal variation of the food composition of L. coubie as virtually all the food items appeared in the stomach all year round. The prominent food items in the gut of L. coubie included detritus, annelid worms, nematodes, plant tissues, decapods, copepods, Daphnia, some rotifers, insects and insect larvae. Ten parasite species belonging to 5 phyla were identified from 120 specimens. The parasites were Gyrodactylus, Clinostomum, Lytocestus, protocephalus, Procama-llanus, Capillaria, Acanthocepalus, Batrachobdella, Argulus, Dolops, and Ergasilus. Of all the parasites, the more prominent in decreasing order of percentage prevalence are Acanthocepalus (81.7%), Batra-chobdella (74.6%), Procamallanus (62.5%), Argulus (60%), and Dolops (40.8%). The platyhelminthes had the lowest infection prevalence.

Key word: Parasitology, food composition, parasitic fauna, African carp, Labe coubie Cross River.