Prevalence of Lernaeid Ectoparasites in some Culturable Fish species from different Nurseries of Punjab.

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1 BIOLOGIA (PAKISTAN) 2014, 60 (1), PKISSN (Print) ISSN X (On-Line) Prevalence of Lernaeid Ectoparasites in some Culturable Fish species from different Nurseries of Punjab. ASIF ALI 1, SIKENDER HAYAT 1, MOHAMMAD SHAFIQ AHMED 2, NOOR ELAHI 1, ATIFA SAGHIR 1, HASSAN ALI 3, AND WASEEM AHMED KHAN 4 1 Fisheries Research and Training Institute, Manawan, Lahore, Pakistan 2 Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan 3 WWF- Pakistan, Ferozpur Road, Lahore, Pakistan. 4 Pakistan Wildlife Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan ABSTRACT During the present study 960 specimens of four culturable fish species viz., Rohu (Labeo rohita), Mori (Cirrhinus mrigala), Thaila (Catla catla) and Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), collected from different fish seed hatcheries and nurseries of Punjab Province, were examined for Lernaeid ectoparasite. Out of all specimens, only 192 fishes were found infested with Lernaea cyprinacea and Lernaea polymorpha. Among the infested 192 fishes, 162 were infested with Lernaea cyprinacea and 30 were infested with Lernaea polymorpha. The overall prevalence of L. cyprinacea and L. polymorpha remained 16.88% and 3.12%, respectively. The highest prevalence of Lernaea was observed in weight group <500 g which was 25.93%. Among four fish species, thaila was the most infested in all weight groups and showed highest prevalence that was 40.10% and lowest infestation was observed in Cirrhinus mrigala which was 16.70%. While comparing the sampling sites highest prevalence (35%) was recorded in fish samples collected from Muzaffargarh, second highest (31.7%) was from Mian Channu and the lowest infestation (4.2%) was recorded in the fish samples collected from Ganda Singh Wala. Key words: Lernaea cyprinacea, Lernaea polymorpha, culturable fish species, lernaeid prevalence INTRODUCTION Fish health research generally includes the study of environmental stressors associated with genetics, histopathology and pathogens (Riley et al., 2008; Iwanowicz, 2011). Pathogens, associated with fish diseases, can be overlooked in many fish health assessments when a fish is healthy and are considered only when they cause diseases and detrimental effects to the economy by damaging commercial fishery (Iwanowicz, 2011). Parasites abound in the aquatic environment and survive in a dynamic equilibrium with their host (Marcogliese, 2005; Iwanowicz, 2011). Changes in the environment, both anthropogenic and environmental, can change the parasite/host balance and cause disease/mortality in fishes. Parasites can cause physical, physiological and reproductive damage to fish (Ahmed & Shahid, 2000; Buchmann & Lindstrom, 2002; Knudsen et al., 2009; Al-Jahdali & Hassanine, 2010; Iwanowicz, 2011). Therefore it is necessary to have sufficient knowledge of various parasites particularly crustacean (copepods) and their communities within a given fish population. Lernaeid or anchor worms are common parasites in freshwater aquaculture of cyprinids and to a lesser extent of salmonids including other fish species (Woo, 2002). The economic losses due to lernaeid ectoparasites has increased during several epizootics occurring among the most important farmed fishes world-wide (Kir, 2007). The adult Lernaeid are harmful to large fish because of their large size, mode of attachment and feeding. These parasites damage the eyes and cause blindness. They cause gill infections leading to intense epithelial proliferation which seriously impair gaseous exchange and also support spread of bacterial infection. They can also penetrate the visceral cavity, including heart and resulting peritonitis and death (Kabata, 1985; Shariff et al., 1986; Ahmed & Shahid, 2000; Jalali & Barzegar, 2006). A few studies have been conducted to find out prevalence of lernaeid ecotoparasites in culturable fish species throughout Pakistan. These studies have revealed the presence of four to six species of Lernaeid ectoparasites and Lernaea cyprinacea and Lernaea polymorpha were most prevalent among all larnaeid ectoparasites found so far (Ahmed et al., 2001; Tasawar et al., 2007, 2009,a 2011; Iqbal, et. al., 2012; Kanwal et al., 2012). Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of lernaeid ectoparasite (Lernaea cyprinacea and Lernaea *Corresponding Author: asif_ali265@yahoo.com; drshafiq.ahmed@gmail.com

2 124 A. ALI ET AL BIOLOGIA (PAKISTAN) polymorpha) in some culturable fish species cultured in some nurseries and hatcheries of Punjab, Pakistan. This research will provide baseline data about the lernaeid infections and be helpful in designing treatment strategy to save economic losses to fisheries industry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fish sample comprising 960 fish specimens of four fish species viz., Rohu (Labeo rohita), Mori (Cirrhinus mrigala), Thaila (Catla catla) and Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were collected from different fish seed nurseries and hatcheries of Punjab Fisheries Department located at Mian Channu (Khanewal), Manga (Lahore), Muzaffargarh, Farooqabad (Sheikhupura), Ganda Singh Wala (Kasur), Kotli Araian (Sialkot), Phalia (Mandi Bahauddin) and Chenawan (Gujranwala) (Fig. 1). Lernaea species were slowly dehydrated in various grades of alcohol according to Cable (1985). Following dehydration the Lernaea samples were placed in xylene and observed under microscope for identification of Lernaea species. Results were expressed in terms of percentage following Chaudhry & Kamal (2000). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Out of 960 fish specimens, only 192 were found infested with Lernaea cyprinacea and Lernaea polymorpha. Among the infested 192 fishes 162 were infested with Lernaea cyprinacea and 30 were infested with Lernaea polymorpha. The overall prevalence of L. cyprinacea and L. polymorpha remained 16.88% and 3.12%, respectively (Table 1). Among four fish species, Catla catla showed highest prevalence of Lernaeid ectoparasites (40.1%) while Ctenopharyngodon idella, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala showed 24%, 19.3% and 16.7%, respectively (Table 2). Tasawar et al. (2009 a & b) reported four species of Lernaeid ectoparasites from the fish samples collected from fish seed hatchery at Mian Channu and L cyprinacea was the most prevalent (26.67%) among the other Lernaeid ectoparasites. Similarly, Ahmed et al. (2001) and Parveen & Ullah (2013) during their study on ectoparasites among indigenous and exotic freshwater carps, reported L. cyprinacea as the most prevalent ectoparasite. Table 1: The overall prevalence of Lernaeid ectoparasites Fig., 1: Map showing the sampling locations for the current study The fishes were netted and kept alive in a water container. After fish species identification, they were examined for the presence of Lernaea species. The parasites were removed with the help of fine forceps and placed in Bouin s fixative. After measuring wet body weight of each fish, they were released to its respective pond. The collected parasites were brought to the Pathology Laboratory of Fisheries Research and Training Institute, Manawan, Lahore. The permanent mounts of the parasites were prepared. For this purpose, the parasites were washed with distilled water to remove excess fixative. The washed specimens were kept in 10% potassium hydroxide until their bodies became transparent. Then the parasites were washed in distilled water to remove alkali. After washing, the Sr. No. Parasite species No. of fish examined No. of infested fish Prevalen ce (%) 1. Lernaea cyprinacea 2. Lernaea polymorpha Total Table 2: Prevalence of Lernaeid ectoparasites with reference to fish species S. No. Fish species 1 Catla catla Ctenopharyngodon idella Labeo rohita Cirrhinus mrigala 16.7

3 Total fish examined Total fish examined Total fish examined VOL. 60 (1) PREVALENCE OF LERNAEID ECTOPARASITES IN SOME CULTURABLE FISH 125 Relationships between body weight and Lernaeid ectoparasites showed that Lernaea spp. had the highest prevalence (25.93%) in weight group of <500g while in weight groups g and >1000g its prevalence was 20.62% and 13.43% respectively (Table 3). Among the four studied species, Catla catla was found more infested in all weight groups. Lernaeid ectoparasites prevalence in Catla catla was 45%, 30% and 21.25% in the weight groups <500g, g and >1000g, respectively (Table 3). The results of Kanwal et. al., (2012) showed the relationship between body weight and Lernaeid ectoparasites, which showed that L. cyprinacea had highest prevalence (38.86%) in weight group of g, while lowest prevalence (0%) was recorded in weight group of >2900g. The overall prevalence of lernaeid ectoparasites of Catla catla has also been reported previously by Tasawar et al., (2009b) which revealed the prevalence of L. cyprinacea and L. polymorpha as 26.67% and 25.83% respectively. Labeo rohita (23.75%) and Cirrhinus mrigala (15%) showed highest prevalence of Lernaeid ectoparasites in the weight group of g while in the weight groups <500g and >1000g it was 12.50% and 10%, respectively for Labeo rohita and 12.5% each for Cirrhinus mrigala. In case of Ctenopharyngodon idella highest prevalence (33.75%) was in the weight group <500g while 20.62% and 13.43% prevalence was observed in the weight groups g and >1000g, respectively. Table 3: Prevalence of Lernaeid ectoparasites with reference to fish body weights. Weight (g) groups < >1000 Fish species Labeo rohita Cirrhinus mrigala Catla catla Ctenopharyngodon idella Total Climatic factors and environmental conditions play a considerable role in the prevalence of Lernaeid ectoparasites at different locations (Ahmed et al., 2001; Buchmann & Lindenstrom, 2002). During present study highest prevalence (35%) was recorded from the fish samples collected from Muzaffargarh, second highest (31.7%) was from Mian Channu (Khanewal) while lowest infestation (4.2%) was recorded in fish samples collected from Ganda Singh Wala (Kasur) (Table 4). Prevalence of Lernaeid ectoparasites was recorded as 23.3%, 20%, 18.3%, 15.8% and 11.7% from Farooqabad (Sheikhupura), Kotli Araian (Sialkot), Manga (Lahore), Phalia (Mandi Bahauddin) and Chenawan (Gujranwala), respectively (Table 4). According to Anjum (1986) water temperature play a significant role for Lernaea propagation as lernaeids parasites are normally found in warm waters. High prevalence of Lernaea in Muzaffargarh and Mian Channu (Khanewal) may be related to their hot climate compared to the central and upper parts of Punjab Province. It can also be correlated with poor hygienic conditions prevailing at such nurseries and fish seed hatcheries where lernaeid ectoparasites prevalence is high.

4 126 A. ALI ET AL BIOLOGIA (PAKISTAN) Table 4: Prevalence of Lernaeid ectoparasites in different areas of Punjab Province. Locations Total no. of fish samples Infested Healthy Mian Channu (Khanewal) % (38) 68.3% (82) Manga (Lahore) % (22) 81.7% (98) Muzaffargarh % (42) 65% (78) Farooqabad (Sheikhupura) % (28) 76.7% (92) Ganda Singh Wala (Kasur) % (05) 95.8% (115) Kotli Araian (Sialkot) % (24) 80% (96) Phalia (Mandi Bahauddin) % (19) 84.2% (101) Chenawan (Gujranwala) % (14) 88.3% (106) Total % (192) 80% (768) REFERENCES Ahmed, M. S. and Shahid A., Histological studies of infected skin, affected by Lernea cyprinacea infection in a freshwater fish, Cirrhina mrigala. Pakistan J. Fish. 1(2): Ahmed, M. S., Kausar, M. and Khan, W. A., Prevalence of Lernea cyprinacea (Crustacean: Copepoda) in Indian major carps. Sci. Int. (Lahore) 13(1): Al-Jahdali, M. O. & El-S Hassanine. R. M., Ovarian abnormality in a pathological case caused by Myxidium sp. (Myxozoa, Myxosporea) in onespot snapper fish Lutjanus monostigma (Teleostei, Lutjanidae) from the Red Sea. Acta Parasitologica, 55: 1-7. Anjum, R., Carp diseases and their control. Progressive Farming Pakistan, 6: Buchmann, K. & Lindenstrom, T., Interaction between monogenean parasites and their fish hosts. Int. J. of Parasitology, 32: Cable, R. M., An Illustrated Laboratory Manual of Parasitology. 5th ed. Surjeet Publication Dehli pp. Iqbal, Z., Shafqat, A & Haroon, F., Lernaea diversity and infection in Indian and Chinese carps under semi-intensive culture conditions in Lahore, Punjab. The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 22(4): Iwanowicz, D. D., Overview on the Effects of Parasites on Fish Health. In: Proceedings of the Third Bilateral Conference between Russia and the United States, July, 2009, held in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Landover, Maryland, USA. Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. R.C. Cipriano, A.W. Bruckner, & I.S. Shchelkunov (Eds.), Bridging America and Russia with Shared Perspectives on Aquatic Animal Health. pp Jalali, B. & Barzegar, M., Fish Parasites in Zarivar lake. J. Agri. Tech., 8: Kabata, Z., Parasite and Diseases of fish cultured in the Tropics. Taylor and Francis, London, UK. 318 pp. Kanwal, N., Siraj, Z., Tasawar, Z., Mushtaq, F. & Lashari, M. H., The Lernaeid Parasites of Catla catla. Acta Parasitologica Globalis, 3(2): Kir, I., The effects of parasites on the growth of the crucian carp (Carassius carassius L., 1758) inhabiting the Kovada Lake. Turkiye Parazitol. Derg, 31(2): Knudsen, R., Amundsen, P. A., Jobling, M. & Klemetsen, A., Differences in pyloric caeca morphology between Arctic charr Salvelinus alpines ecotypes: adaptation to trophic specialization or parasite-induced phenotypic modifications? Journal of Fish Biology, 73: Marcogliese, D. J., Parasites of the superorganism: Are they indicators of ecosystem health? Int. J. of Parasitology, 35: Parveen, F. & Ullah, H., Ectoparasites of indigenous and exotic freshwater carp fish (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Charbanda and Tarbela, Khyber Pakhyunkhwa, Pakistan. Amer., J. of Res Comm., 1(9):

5 VOL. 60 (1) PREVALENCE OF LERNAEID ECTOPARASITES IN SOME CULTURABLE FISH 127 Riley, S. C., Munkittrick, K. R., Evans, A. N. & Krueger, C. C., Understanding the ecology of disease in Great Lakes fish populations. Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management, 11: Shariff, M., Kabata, Z. & Sommerville, C., Host susceptibility to Lernaea cyprinacea and its treatment in a large aquarium system. J. Fish Dis., 9: Tasawar, Z., Umer, K. & Hayat, C S., Observations on Lernaeid parasites on Catla catla from a fish hatchery, Muzaffargarh, Pakistan. Pakistan Vet J., 27(1): Tasawar, Z., Zafar, S., Lashari, M. H. & Hayat, C. S., 2009a. The prevalence of lernaeid ectoparasites in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Pakistan Vet. J., 29(2): Tasawar, Z., Naz, F., Lashari, M. H., Hayat, C. S., Benish Ali, S. H., Naeem, M. & Shaheen, R., 2009b. Incidence of lenaeid parasite in Catla catla on a fish farm. Sarhad J. Agric. 25(2): Tasawar, Z., Riaz, S., Lashari, M. H., & Aziz, F., The incident of lernaeid ectoparasites of Labeo rohita at local fish farms of Tehsil Kot Addu. Pak. J. Agri., Agril. Engg., Vet. Sci., 27(2): Woo, P. T. K., Fish Diseases and Disorders. CABI International Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 8DE, UK. 808 pp.

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