Fish Parasites (Labeo rohita and Schizothorax niger) of Jammu and Kashmir in India

Abstract

The present study has been carried out to find out the parasites of Schizothorax niger and Labeo rohita
during different months of the year 2013 to 2014. Parasites belonging to two groups viz. ciliophoran
(Chilodonella) and crustacean (Argulus) were recorded from 200 fishes of Rohu (L. rohita) and S. niger
collected from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. These two parasites belong to Ectoparasitic group
and no other parasite was recorded in the present study. The highest prevalence (60%) of infection has
been recorded in ciliophorans and the lowest was in crustacean (48%). It was observed that highest
parasitic prevalence (54%) was recorded during winter season (December-February) while the lowest
prevalence (0%) recorded during rainy season (June-August). Cyprinid fish S. niger infested with
ciliophoran had no pathogenic signs and the clinical signs were represented as increase of mucus laden
masses on the surface of gills. No pathogenic signs were seen in L. rohita infested with Crustacean
parasite and clinical signs were represented as gasping air, pale skin color, sluggish swimming, increase
of mucus production and floating on surface often causes mortality. This is first report of protozoan
parasites from fishes of Jammu and Kashmir.