The influence of gut nematode parasites on length, weight and condition factor of Johnius belangerii Cuvier, 1830

Azmat, R. . Dept. of Chemistry; Shahina, F. . National Nematological Research Centre; Nasira, K. . National Nematological Research Centre

The influence of gut nematode parasites on length, weight and condition factor of Johnius belangerii Cuvier, 1830

2008

Azmat, R. (Jinnah Univ. for Women, Karachi (Pakistan). Dept. of Chemistry) | Shahina, F. (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). National Nematological Research Centre) | Nasira, K. (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). National Nematological Research Centre)

This study involves 53 specimens of fish (Johnius belangerii Cuvier, 1830) off Arabian Sea, collected from Karachi coast, during September, 2005 to November, 2006 and examined for the presence of gut nematode parasites (Echinocephalus spp., and Ascaris spp.). Parasitological inspections revealed the effects of these parasites on body condition. This was determined to assess the significance and possible impact of these parasites in fishes of this area. Condition measures the variation from the expected weight for length, as an indicator of fatness, general well-being and parasitic infection. Infested specimens show lower weight than expected (Kn less than 1.0) and non-infested specimen had Kn greater than 1.0. It was possible to infer that gut infestation with parasites alters weight; therefore knowledge of parasites in fish is important to determine the length, weight relationship for which a relative condition factor (K) could be derived.

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