Fish like any other organisms, are susceptible to ecto & endo-parasites, which have a risky impact
in aquaculture specially those because skin infection with secondary bacterial infection. This study
estimated the parasitic infections in freshwater Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Assiut Governorate, and
evaluated environmental factors affecting them.
A total of 100 samples of different sexes and sizes were randomly collected weekly over one year
from different localities in Assiut City. The fish were examined parasitological for ecto-parasites and
dissected for endo-parasites as well as histopathological examination of muscles.
The results showed an overall parasitic rate of 82%. Ecto-parasites were Gyrodactylus, Dactylogrus,
Henneguya and Icthyophthirius multifiliis (2%, 8%, 2% & 5%) respectively, while endoparasites were
trematode (Orientocreadium batrachoides 26%), cestode (Polyochobothrium clarias and Monobothrioides
6% & 21% respectively), nematode (Paracamallanus spp. 12%), encysted metacercaria (66%)
and protozoa (Entamoeba spp. 15%). The variation between the parasitic number length, weight, and
sex seasonally were statistically analyzed.