Study of Various Ectoparasites from Sperata Sarwari (Singharee) Obtained from Various Areas of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Singhari Sperata sarwari is an Indus catfish (family Bagridae) present in Pakistan and Indus drainage system in India. Objective: To check the Prevalence of ectoparasites on Singhari (Sperata sarwari) fish. Methods: A sample of 30 specimens of a freshwater catfish, Sperata sarwari was collected from different areas of Lahore, Pakistan, during December 2017 to May 2018. Total 30 fish were examined for ectoparasites. Out of 30 fish, only 08 were diseased with Lernaea. Results: The total prevalence of Lernaea was 26.66%. Lernaea had highest prevalence (37.5%) in 1000-1200g body weight of fish group, while it was lowest (16.66%) in 100-300g body weight fish group. Lernaea showed highest prevalence (33.33%) in fish length group of 66-85cm, while the least prevalence (14.28%) existed in 25-45cm fish length group. It was also observed that Lernaea showed seasonal variations and it was maximum in winter, (33.33%) in January and minimum in spring and summer (20%) in March and (0%) in April. Conclusions: The results indicated that Singhari fish with more weight and long length had more prevalence of infection as compared to less weight and shorter length. This could be due to access of greater area available to parasites for anchoring and hiding on the large sized fish.