Parasitic study of Indian major carp, Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822) from Bheries in West Bengal, India

The present work was conducted to isolate and identify different parasites from Indian Major Carp (IMC) Catla catla. Parasitic Frequency Index (PFI, %) and Severity of infection were also measured for each parasite from Bheries (Saline soils) of Garia, Bantala, Bamanghata, Gangajuara of South 24 Parganas District, Naihati of North 24 Parganas District, Memari of Burdwan District of West Bengal, India. Approximately 300 fishes were observed in between April 2012 to March 2013. The infested fishes suffered mainly from respiratory manifestations, blackness of the skin and mortalities. The parasitic infestations were found to be the most important problem in Bheries (Saline soils) of selected districts in West Bengal. A large amount of parasitic disease causative agents were isolated and those were Myxobolus sp., Thelohanellus sp., Trichodina sp., Dactylogyrus sp., Gyrodactylus sp., Nematodes, Argulus sp., Lerneasp., Chilodonella sp., The prevalence of Myxobolus sp., Dactylogyrus sp. and Gyrodactylus sp. were highest in October to January (winter months, 73%, 56% and 13.3% respectively). Remaining all parasites were found more in February to March (spring season months)