Parasites of African Catfish and Nile tilapia

Parasites are prevalent in the entire animal kingdom. Parasites can also be observed in all the bacteria, fungi, viruses, plants and animal taxa. There are micro parasites (for the microbial pathogens) and macro parasites. Parasitism is a symbiotic interaction of two organisms based on two-level trophic systems. In parasitism association, a dominant organism, the parasite, lives and develops at the expense of another organism the host. Parasitism does not occur at the willingness of the host. Parasitic relationship is an ecological and environmental factor. Parasitism occurs when parasite and the host are present in a conducive and enabling environment. The environment and its conditions are very pivotal for success of parasites. Parasites affects the biology, physiology, reproduction and general welfare of the fish. The international transfer of African catfish and tilapia ( especially O.niloticus), was accompanied by the introduction of extant parasites.