Estimation of Population dynamics indices of parasites infected on cultured ornamental fishes according to the climatic changes in Kurunegala district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Population dynamics indices of parasites infected on cultured ornamental fishes according to the climatic changes in kurunagala district,Sri Lanka were estimated.Sample of gold fishes and koi carps which were harvested from mud ponds in ornamental fish breeding and traning center was examined for ecto parasites. Four population indices were calculated for each abundant parasite species and diversity level of parasites in two fish species were estimated using Shannon-Weiner Species Diversity Index.  Ten parasite species were recorded from both fish species and all calculated indices for gold fish were higher in dry season than wet season and for koi carp results vary for two months according to the parasite species. The calculated Shannon-wiener Species Diversity Index indicated that parasite diversity of gold fish was higher in dry season (dry: 0.4172±0.0787, wet:  0.1431±0.0299) but it was wet season for koi carp (dry: 0.0896±0.0170, wet: 1.1138±0.1497).Findings could be utilized when implementing treatment and quarantine programs for both ornamental fish species.