The inter-relationship between water quality parameters and fish parasites occurrence in Warwade reservoir Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Water quality parameters in an aquatic biota could be influenced by various human activities and other natural causes which may affect the aquatic environment. Under natural conditions, a number of natural abiotic factors, particularly from water quality may influence the presence of parasites. An investigation was conducted from February 2024, to January, 2025 with the aim of determining occurrence of parasites and evaluate the effect of physico-chemical characteristics of water on parasitic infestation in three fish species from Warwade reservoir. A total of 324 randomly selected fishes comprising of 108 each Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus and Bagrus bajad were examined for ecto- and endo parasites. Experimental fish were measured and weighed. Endo- and ecto-parasites were examined for; from Skin/scale, gills, intestine and stomach of fish. Water sample was collected for physico-chemical overall prevalence analysis. Data were presented using descriptive statistics, means of the water quality were computed. Chi-squared was employed to examine the association between prevalence of infection of the fish samples. Correlation between the fish parasites and physicochemical parameters was identified using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). An 76.85% parasitic infestation was assessed. Six classes of parasites were observed namely, Protozoa, Nematodes, Trematode, Cestode, Acanthocephalan and Hirudinea. Cestode was highest 40.11% in parasite counts and lowest parasites count was found in Acanthocephala and Hirudinea 0.97% each. The water parameters recorded were within the range documented for inland waterbodies in the tropical region except turbidity. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) revealed that, among the variables, turbidity appear to have the strongest influence on parasite distributions. While EC contributed to a lesser extent. The results also indicated that there was an inverse relationship between fish parasites communities and water quality parameters. The study recommended Proper sanitary and regular disposal of waste need to be emphasized as well as awareness on risk of Fish parasites to fish farmers and consumers is of utmost importance because fish parasites may pose a potential serious threat to human health and rural economy.