Catfish is one of the most common high-protein food sources. Biofloc is a collection of microorganisms that promote fish growth and development. The purpose of this study is to inventory ectoparasites in catfish (Clarias sp.) cultivated with Biofloc in Gorontalo. This study was carried out from November to December 2023 at Gorontalo State University’s Integrated Laboratory of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Technology. A total of 40 catfish samples measuring 20-25 cm from cultivation sites using a biofloc system were selected using saturated sampling based on the sustainability of the catfish business (5 years), which included 20 businesses. Ectoparasite observations were conducted using a ZEISS Axioscope 5 Smart Laboratory Microscope. The descriptive method was used to identify and analyze the observational results. Gyrodactylus and Dactylogyrus parasites were discovered in mucus and gills. The Vorticella parasite was found on the gills, while Lernea was discovered on the skin. In this study, the prevalence and intensity of ectoparasites were 15% and 0.35 for Gyrodactylus sp; 10% and 0.26 for Dactylogyrus sp, while Lernea sp and Vorticella sp were 7.5% and 0.18, respectively. The most common infection was Gyrodactylus sp., which was classified as a “frequent infection.” The infection with Lernea sp. and Vorticella sp. had the lowest prevalence rate, classified as “infection sometimes.” All parasites found had a low attack intensity (<1). More research is needed to examine the environment factors where the catfish were reared, the parasites discovered, and the economic losses caused by parasitic infection.
Keywords | Ectoparasites identification, Microscopy, Prevalence, Intensity biofloc, Catfish