Lernaeid Parasites on Major Carps at Fish Farms in Punjab, Pakistan

Development of ecofriendly environment and free of parasites is very necessary for the best growth performance of aquatic animals in the field of fisheries and aquaculture. A questionnaire (comprising of 16 questions were used as a tool of research for survey (3 months) at fish farms of Punjab regarding fish parasite Lernaea (2011) Research Project of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ravi Campus, Pattoki) was used to identify the number of the genus Lernaea present on major carps (local species of Pakistan) Rohu, Labeo rohita(Hamilton, 1822) Morri, Cirhinus mrigala (Hamilton 1822), Thaila, Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822) and lernaeid ectoparasitic identification at different fish farms of the Punjab. Catla catla showed more prevalent to infestation than other species. In this study two species of Lernaeid ectoparasites i.e. Lernaea polymorpha and Lernaea cyprinacea were observed at different fish farms of Punjab. L. polymorpha was more prevalent specie. It is observed that the lernaeid ectoparasitic infections were associated with host body weight. The parasitic infestation increased as the body weight of the host fish increased.