Abstract

The food composition and the parasitic infections of the African carp (Labeo coubie)were investigated. Analysis of stomach content of 445 specimens of L. coubie in the Cross River shows that it as a detritivore/herbivore, as well as a benthic feeder with a wide feeding range. There was no significant difference in seasonal variation of the food composition of L. coubie as virtually all the food items appeared in the stomach all year round. The prominent food items in the gut of L. coubie included detritus, annelid worms, nematodes, plant tissues, decapods, copepods, Daphnia, some rotifers, insects and insect larvae. Ten parasite species belonging to 5 phyla were identified from 120 specimens. The parasites were Gyrodactylus, Clinostomum, Lytocestus, protocephalus, Procama-llanus, Capillaria, Acanthocepalus, Batrachobdella, Argulus, Dolops, and Ergasilus. Of all the parasites, the more prominent in decreasing order of percentage prevalence are Acanthocepalus (81.7%), Batra-chobdella(74.6%), Procamallanus (62.5%), Argulus (60%), and Dolops (40.8%). The platyhelminthes had the lowest infection prevalence.

Key word: Parasitology, food composition, parasitic fauna, African carp, Labe coubieCross River.