Common Carp ( Cyprinus carpio) parasites diversity and prevalence in Erbil aquacultures: gills, skin and intestinal infections

This study was carried out to investigate the causative agents of the parasitic diseases affecting common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in aquacultures in the Erbil region. At first, all fish were visually examined, then, microscopic analysis of mucus, skin and fins scrapings and gastrointestinal contents were carried out, confirming that carps are infested by a large diversity of parasites,  predominantly affected by  Dactylogyrus sp., followed by Trichodina sp., and copepod parasites, with an infection rate of 25.2%,  17.2%, and 13.2%, respectively. On the other hand, the highest mortality was due to infestation by Trichodina sp., Dactylogyrus sp., Ichthyophthirius sp. and Gyrodactylus sp., rating 40%, 35%, 29% and 28%, respectively. Several injuries and ulcerations were observed within gills, over fins and skin of infected fish. In conclusion, the results showed that carp fish from Erbil city are infested by several parasites causing pathological and mechanical injuries, which were associated with high mortality rates in carps.