Parasitic surveillance of freshwater clam (Galatea paradoxa) was carried out between March to April 2012 at Eniwari and Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of Bayelsa State. Clams were collected and transported to the laboratory for measurements of weight, length and width. Parasites were examined and attempt was made on the identification using appropriate keys. The result of the study showed that the parasitic prevalence was 60% and 55% at Eniwari and Oporoma respectively. The prevalence of the parasites found were Protozoans (6.7%), Trematodes (8.3%), Nematodes (38.3%) and Cestodes (6.7%) at Eniwari, while at Oporoma the prevalence of parasites found were Protozoans (1.7%), Trematodes (10%), Nematodes (35%) and Cestodes (8.3%), the nematodes had the highest prevalence. The rate of parasitic infection according to analysis of weight, length and width varied within and among the group .The weight range of clam between131-190cm recorded the highest infection rate in the two locations. Infection seemed to be higher in the medium sized clams than in the small or big sized clams.
 

Download Full Text - PDF