Important parasites of catfish (Clarias macrocephalus) in the Philippines

Abstract

The parasite fauna of broad head catfish (Clarias macrocephalus) was determined through regular examination of cultured and wild-caught fish. Collection areas included hatchery, nursery and grow-out facilities in Iloilo Province, Panay Island, Philippines. The most prevalent parasite recorded was the monogenean Gyrodactylus sp. and the nematode Procamallanus planoratus. The obligate protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis was recorded in hatchery-reared catfish that were maintained in raceways. This finding of I. multifiliis on C. macrocephalus represents a new host record. Other parasites recorded were the protozoan ciliates Trichodina sp. and Vorticella sp., the digenean Gauhatiana sp. and an immature cestode belonging to the order Caryophyllidea. Majority of these parasites are cosmopolitan in nature and its significance will continue to increase with the growth of aquaculture.