Author(s): Yedehi Euphrasie Adou, Kassi Georges Blahoua, Assoi Olivier Etchian, Souleymane Konate and Seydou Tiho

Abstract: Coptodon zillii and C. guineensis are among the main fish exploited by the artisanal fishery in the Ayamé 2 dam lake. In this lake, it was observed a case of hybridization between these two species of fish to give hybrids. All these fish represent a high halieutic value and are the subject of particular attention in aquaculture because they present a good zootechnical performance in Africa. Despite their importance, they may be affected by parasitism that can hinder their proper development. This study aims to study the parasitic relationships that exist between C. zillii, C. guineensis and their Hybrids in Lake Ayamé 2 by gill Monogeneans. The gill of 388 C. zillii, 361 C. guineensis and 409 Hybrids were collected monthly with a monofilament gill nets. Standard methods of parasitological examination were used for identification of Monogenean species. Seven (7), 11 and 9 Monogenean species were inventoried in the gills of C. zillii, C. guineensis and their Hybrid, respectively. The study indicated that in addition to parasites such as C. cubitus, C. ergensis, C. anthemocolpos, C. vexus and C. digitatus which are found in the gills of the three fish, those of hybrid Tilapia harbored C. sp1 and C. sp2 which are specific. Generally, the parastic load of the Monogenean species increased with the size of all fish hosts. Moreover, the impact of the host sex was observed for parasitic load of these Monogeneans. The male fish of Coptodon guineensis and the hybrid (C. zillii and C. guinensis) harbored more parasites. However, the females fish of C. zillii were the most infested. This study which made it possible to identify hosts vulnerable to infestation could contribute to implementing control and monitoring strategies to control parasitic disease and increase fish productivity.

DOI: 10.22271/fish.2025.v13.i3a.3077

Pages: 53-60  |  95 Views  60 Downloads

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