Effect of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (cestoda: pseudophyllidean) on health of five species of Schizothorax

In Dal Lake, five species of Schizothorax Viz., Schizothorax niger, Schizothorax esocinus, Schizothorax curvifrons, Schizothorax plagiostomus and Schizothorax labiatus, were examined for infection by cestode Bothriocephalus acheilgnathi. Present study clearly documents the difference between health of infected and uninfected fishes. The fishes infected with Bothriocephalus acheilgnathi were found to have reduced growth rate. There was negative correlation between the number of Bothriocephalus acheilgnathi and weight of fish indicating that this helminth parasite reduces the growth rate of Schizothorax with increased intensity.