Population dynamics of Piscicola Geometra (Hirudinea:Rhynchobdellida) on Oreochromis Niloticus (Cichlidae) cultured in a rainforest fish pond, South Eastern Nigeria

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Opara, K.N.

Affiliations: Department of Zoology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, E-mail:[email protected]

Abstract: The distribution, abundance and intensity of the annelid worm, Piscicola geometra(leeches) infecting Oreochromis niloticuscultured in a rainforest fish pond, South Eastern Nigeria wasstudied over a 12 months period. Three hundred fish were examined of which 48.3% were infected. Infection occurred throughout the year, with a peak in February. Female fish had a significantly higher intensity of infection(P<0.05) than males. There was a clear seasonal periodicity in the degree of infection and the distribution of the parasite exhibited an aggregated or contagious model of dispersion. There was a significant positive correlation between the size of the fish and worm burden.

Keywords: Piscicola geometra, pond, Oreochromis niloticus, population dynamics, parasites

Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 536-540, 2002