PREVALENCE OF ECTOPARASITES OF FRY TILAPIA (COPTODON ZILLII) FISHES FROM EUPHRATES RIVER, IRAQ

Ectoparasitic infection represents one of the main challenges to freshwater and marine fish in all areas of the world. This study detected ectoparasite types in Fry Redbelly Tilapia Fishes. The specimens (250) were purchased from a market with a source of fish from the Euphrates River. Fishes were collected from December 2022 until the end of April 2023. The samples were used for macroscopic inspection, gross viscera, and microscopic exam - wet mount of fins, skin, gills and eyes. Ectoparasite species were obtained on fins, skin, and gills, and the eyes had no infection. The total prevalence was 140 (56%) of 250 fish. Significant fish types with weight and length are at (P ≤ 0.05) and (P ≤0.01), respectively. The mean and standard deviation according to weight were 71.4 and 14.7, while according to length, they were 15.6 and 1.9. Non-significant for genders in both types at (P ≥ 0.05). The host Coptodon zillii is infested by four types of ectoparasites were included, with prevalence for each one being Ichthyophthirius sp., 80/250 (32%); Trichodina sp., 30/140 (12%); Dactylogyrus sp., 20/250 (8%); Gyrodactylus sp.10/250 (4%). In conclusion, all parasites, namely single-host types. Management measures should be taken to save the procurement and import from reputable global markets.