Abstract
Fish like any other organisms, are susceptible to  ecto & endo-parasites, which  have a risky  impact 
in  aquaculture  specially  those  because  skin  infection  with  secondary  bacterial  infection.  This  study 
estimated the parasitic infections in freshwater Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Assiut Governorate, and 
evaluated environmental factors affecting them. 
A total of 100 samples of different sexes  and  sizes were randomly collected  weekly  over one year 
from different localities in Assiut  City. The fish were examined parasitological  for ecto-parasites and 
dissected for endo-parasites as well as histopathological examination of muscles.
The results showed an overall parasitic rate of 82%.  Ecto-parasites were Gyrodactylus, Dactylogrus, 
Henneguya and Icthyophthirius multifiliis (2%, 8%, 2% & 5%) respectively, while endoparasites were 
trematode  (Orientocreadium  batrachoides  26%),  cestode (Polyochobothrium  clarias  and  Monobothrioides 6% & 21%  respectively),  nematode (Paracamallanus spp.  12%), encysted metacercaria (66%) 
and protozoa  (Entamoeba spp.  15%).  The  variation between the parasitic number  length, weight,  and 
sex seasonally were statistically analyzed. 
Key words: Assiut, Clarias gariepinus, parasitic infection, environmental factors