Distribution and Associated Factors of Gyrodactylus Malalai Infestation in North African Catfish, Clarias Gariepinus in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract This study examined the occurrence and associated factors of Gyrodactylus malalai infestation in 30 cultured North African catfish in Ilorin, Nigeria. Four organs (gills, eyes, fin and skin) were collected from each fish (resulted into 180 organs) and observed for the existence of G. malalai. Fifty percent (50%) of the fish examined were infested with G. malalai. Males (30%) fish were more affected than the females (20%). Density, intensity and index of infestation were significantly different between males and females (p < 0.05). Fish with total length of 40.0 to 49.9 cm were significantly infested than fish with total length of 20.0 to 29.9 cm (p < 0.05) but body weight did not significantly affect the occurrence of G. malalai infestation (p > 0.05). Gills is most targeted organ of G. malalai infestation with higher percentage of infestation (8.33%), density of infestation (0.22), intensity of infestation (2.60), and index of infestation (3.25) than the eye with 2.22, 0.06, 1.57, and 0.43, respectively (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Gyrodactylus malalai infestations are high in North African catfish and could multiply rapidly and could lead to mortality if not properly managed. Furthermore, total length is identified as the predisposing factor for G. malalai infestation in fish