Prevalence and Diversity of Ectoparasites in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Cultured in Freshwater Ponds of Lampung, Indonesia

Triawan Alkausar; Azizah Nurul Aini; Aulia Ulmillah; Rizki Pratama Putra; Nawaporn Waddell

doi:10.70211/ijesi.v2i2.273

Authors

Triawan Alkausar Universitas Riau, Indonesia Indonesia
Azizah Nurul Aini Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Intan Lampung, Indonesia Indonesia
Aulia Ulmillah Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Intan Lampung, Indonesia Indonesia
Rizki Pratama Putra University of Sydney, Australia Australia
Nawaporn Waddell National Institute of Animal Health, Thailand Thailand

DOI 10.70211/ijesi.v2i2.273

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Abstract

Ectoparasitic infestations pose a significant threat to the sustainability of aquaculture systems, particularly affecting African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a species intensively cultured in tropical regions, including Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the community structure, prevalence rate, and infection intensity of ectoparasites in C. gariepinus cultured in three freshwater pond units located in Way Kandis, Lampung. Fieldwork was conducted between March and April 2023, involving 50 individuals measuring 25–30 cm in length. Fish mucus was collected from the skin, fins, and gill lamellae, followed by microscopic examination to identify ectoparasite genera and quantify infestation levels. A total of five ectoparasitic genera were identified: Oodinium, Gyrodactylus, Dactylogyrus, Chilodonella, and Trichodina. Among them, Dactylogyrus spp. showed the widest distribution across all sampling sites. The highest prevalence occurred in Pond I (46%), followed by Pond II (26%) and Pond III (10%), resulting in an overall prevalence of 86%. Mean infection intensities ranged from 1.25 to 2.00 parasites per host, with higher intensities observed in ponds exhibiting poor water quality and limited maintenance. These findings demonstrate that ectoparasitic infections remain a critical issue in small-scale aquaculture systems. The study provides important baseline data for developing targeted parasitological surveillance and management strategies. It underscores the necessity of proactive health management practices to enhance fish welfare, reduce production losses, and support sustainable aquaculture development in tropical pond-based systems.

Keywords

African Catfish Aquaculture Ectoparasites Intensity Prevalence

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Author Biographies

Triawan Alkausar

Universitas Riau, Indonesia Indonesia

Veterinary Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine

Azizah Nurul Aini

Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Intan Lampung, Indonesia Indonesia

Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training

Aulia Ulmillah

Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Intan Lampung, Indonesia Indonesia

Biology Program

Rizki Pratama Putra

University of Sydney, Australia Australia

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Nawaporn Waddell

National Institute of Animal Health, Thailand Thailand

Department of Livestock Development

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Prevalence and Diversity of Ectoparasites in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Cultured in Freshwater Ponds of Lampung, Indonesia

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Abstract

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References

Author Biographies

Triawan Alkausar

Azizah Nurul Aini

Aulia Ulmillah

Rizki Pratama Putra

Nawaporn Waddell

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