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ABSTRACT
Fish is consumed because of its high protein quality. The unexpected breakout of infections, particularly those brought on by bacteria, is a huge setback for aquaculture. A bacteriological assessment of fish samples (Clarias gariepenus) to ascertain the rate of contamination of fish was carried out in this study. A total of 16 samples were assayed using standard plate methods. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranges from 8.7 ± 0.15 × 105 to 31.3 ± 1.19 × 105 cfu/g.The bacterial species isolated include; Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus species, Enterococcus species, Proteus species, Escherichia coli, Vibrio species, Enterobacter species and Aeromonas species which were identified by various biochemical testing. The group of bacterial isolated in the study, have been implicated with food poisoning from previous studies. Hence, the need for more research in this area to ascertain the level of contamination of aquaculture environments. Fish farmers should be enlightened on the need to adhere to sanitary guidelines of food safety. This will help to prevent sudden outbreak of diseases in fish farms in Benin City.
