Some aspects of association and development of Lytocestus indicus Moghe in catfish Clarias batrachus (Lin.)

Some aspects of association and development of the caryophyllid cestode Lytocestus indicus Moghe, 1925 infecting the catfish Clarias batrachus (Linn.) from the Kailla Beel of Mymensingh, Bangladesh were studied. About 33.14% of Clarias batrachus were infected with a mean intensity of 3.75, mean density 1.25. The infection was not found throughout the year. Two seasonal occurrence of this cestode were observed, one in April-May and the other in August-September. However, maturation period of the worm coincided with the maturation of the host. The worm was found attached to the wall of the intestine of the host. At the site of attachment tissue layers were compressed due to mechanical injuries. Prevalence and mean intensity of infection increased with length groups. No variation in infection was significantly observed in different sexes of the host examined.