Effect of nematode parasite (Procamallanus heteropneustus) on the freshwater catfish Singhi (Heteropneustes fossitis)

Abstract

A study was conducted to findout the monthly, seasonal, lengthwise and sexual distribution of the nematode parasite Procamallanus heteropneustus on freshwater catfish Singhi (Heteropneustes fossilis) for a period of twelve months. A total of 293 singhi were examined of which 230 fishes were infected by the parasite throughout the year. The highest prevalence was found in November (93.3%) and the lowest in February (33.3). The parasite burden in females was heavier than males but the variation is not observed significantly. The highest infection (100%) was observed in female in the month of March and the lowest in the month of January (63.4%). The highest infection (91.5%) observed in male in the month of March; the infection was heavier in large size of fishes (18.1-21 cm) than the smaller size.