INTESTINAL PROTOZOAN PARASITES OF Oreochromis niloticus OF DADIN KOWA DAM, YAMALTU DEBA L.G.A OF GOMBE STATE

Fishes are greatly affected by many parasites causing diseases or harm to the fish. Parasiticprotozoans are among these organisms that infect fish and other aquatic organisms. The parasiticprotozoans were investigated in Oreochromis niloticus from Dadin-Kowa Dam. Fifty (50) fish wascollected, weighed and the sexes were identified by observing the genitals. After dissecting thefish, the gut contents of each was emptied in to a container with 0.9% of saline solution. A smallportion of the sample was taken and observed under microscope. Out of the 50 sample, 43 (86%)were not infected by any protozoan parasite while 7(14%) were infected with protozoan parasites(Cryptobia iubians and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis). Females (14.79%) harbour the parasites morethan the males (13.28%) and the fishes with higher weight have more parasites load whencompared with the smaller fishes. At the end of the research two protozoa parasites were identifiedin the intestinal tract of Oreochromis niloticus from Dadin-kowa reservoir.