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VOL. 10, ISSUE 1 (2025)
Gill Monogenean parasites infestation level and impact on the condition factor of catfish Heterobranchus longifilis (Clariidae) in the Ayame 2 man-made lake, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors
Yedehi Euphrasie Adou, Kassi Georges Blahoua, Bouaye Carole Serincia Adou, Nounagnon Darius Tossavi, Seydou Tiho
Abstract
Heterobranchus longifilis is a key tropical
catfish species of high aquacultural relevance in West Africa, owing to its
rapid growth, wide ecological tolerance, and resilience to environmental
stressors. In the Ayame 2 reservoir, which is subject to significant
anthropogenic pressures, no parasitological study has yet been conducted on the
gill Monogeneans infesting this fish species. This study, conducted from August
2022 to July 2023, aimed to assess the diversity, prevalence, and infection
dynamics of gill Monogeneans in H. longifilis populations under local
ecological conditions. A total of 302 H. longifilis specimens were
sampled using gillnets and baited traps. Gill arches were excised and examined
for Monogenean parasites, identified morphologically. Four species of the genus
Quadriacanthus were recorded : Q. longifilisi (P : 95.20% ; MI :
32.70), Q. thysi (80.80% ; 31.42), Q. tricorniculatus (42.73% ;
19.20), and Q. triunguisi (45.45% ; 15.85). Quadriacanthus longifilisi
and Q. thysi were dominant taxa, particularly abundant during the main
rainy season, while Q. tricorniculatus and Q. triunguisi displayed
peak values during the dry season. Host size had a significant influence on
parasitism : fish ≥ 37.5 cm exhibited the highest infection metrics, with Q.
longifilisi reaching 97.72% prevalence and 28.12 mean intensity. Only Q.
triunguisi showed no size-dependency. Fulton's condition factor (K) was
significantly lower in parasitized individuals, especially in smaller fish (K =
0.33 ± 0.07), indicating compromised somatic condition likely due to parasitic
stress. These findings underscore the role of Monogeneans as bioindicators of
ecosystem health and support their integration into hydrobiological monitoring
and aquaculture sustainability strategies in West African freshwater systems.
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Pages:42-47
How to cite this article:
Yedehi Euphrasie Adou, Kassi Georges Blahoua, Bouaye Carole Serincia Adou, Nounagnon Darius Tossavi, Seydou Tiho "Gill Monogenean parasites infestation level and impact on the condition factor of catfish <i>Heterobranchus longifilis </i>(Clariidae) in the Ayame 2 man-made lake, Côte d’Ivoire". International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, Vol 10, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 42-47
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