Identification and Plant Based Control of Fish Parasites

Abstract

Lernaea a copepod parasite usually known as anchor worm, contamination is a major sickness issue experienced in fish culture in the Indian subcontinent. Different developmental stages in parasites and numerous associated impacts of full scale and small scale environmental impact the parasitic fauna of fish. The present study reveals the external morphology and control the highly infested ectoparasite Lernaea cyprinacea which have contributed disease problems to the aquaculture industry in Pakistan. The external morphometric parameters i.e. full body length, length of cephalothorax, length of thorax region, length of abdomen, length of dorsal and ventral head region, length of dorsal and ventral anchors, length of dorsal anterior and dorsal posterior anchor, length of 1st and 2nd maxillae, length mandible, length of dorsal and ventral antennule were measured and statistically analyzed for mean, standard deviation, standard error, coefficient of variability, confidence interval (95%) and analysis of variance. To determine anti-copepods potential of ethanol extracts of leaves of Carica pappaya, Euclyptus camaldulensis and Grevillea robusta, 10 infected fish with 3 average copepod parasite were placed in each glass aquarium treated with different concentrations (10ppm, 25ppm, 50ppm). The survival percentage of L. cyprinacea copepod was observed after 6hrs, 12hrs, 24hrs, 36hrs, 48hrs, 60hrs and 72hrs. The results were analyzed by using one way Anova and Tukey test. Among all extracts bioassays, the maximum activity was observed in extracts of G. robusta, C. pappaya, E. camaldulensis. To estimate the toxicity level of each plant extract was calculated by determining LC50 and LC90. To estimate the Protein, Carbohydrate and Lipid (Cholesterol) level in effected copepods were estimated by Lowry’s method, phenol sulphuric acid method by biochemistry analyzer. Protein, Carbohaydrate and Lipid contents of copepod parasite were decreased as compared to control.