Vol. 14 No. 7-12 (2023): Occurrence and species composition of insect pest associated with some smoked fish species in Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

This study elucidated the insect pest species associated with some fish species in Bida, Niger

state, Nigeria. Three commonly sold smoked fish species in Bida main market (i.e., Clarias

spp, Tilapia spp and Synodontis spp) were obtained. The fish were stored in polythene back

for six weeks; thereafter the insect pest infestation was assessed following standard

procedure. The total number of insect pests infesting each species of fish, as well as the

distribution of the two life stages (larval and adult) of the insects were recorded. Tribolium

spp, Dermestes spp, and Necrobia spp were observed infesting the three fish species of fish.

The highest insect pest recorded was Tribuliu m , followed by Dermestes . The result showed

that Tilapia spp was more susceptible to insect pests infestation (57.3%) followed by

Synodontis spp (24.4%) and then Clarias spp (18.3%). Tribolium spp was more dominant

compare to others insect pest recorded. The adult of all the recorded insect pest was the

main life stages infesting on the smoked fish species. Findings from this study suggest need

for public awareness and need proper attention to protect fish against insect pest infestation.