Evaluation of loss in terms of mortality and growth reduction in Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822) under experimental infection of anchor worm

Abstract

Anchor worm (Lernaea spp.) infestation is one of the major parasitic diseases affecting carp culture all over the world, particularly in the Indian subcontinent resulting in huge economic losses. The present study evaluated the loss in terms of mortality and growth reduction in Catla catla fingerlings under experimental infection of Lernaea sp. In the experimentally infected tanks, mortality of catla fingerlings ranged from 50-100% as compared to no mortality in control tanks. Furthermore, fish that survived in the Lernaea infected tanks showed an average weight loss of 23.65%.