Bacteriological Quality of Mullet (Mugil Cephalus) in Ohiakwu River, Port Harcourt

The bacteriological quality of the gastrointestinal tracts and gills of mullet (Mugilcephalus) in Ohiakwu River, Port Harcourt were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively using standard bacteriological method. The results obtained showed that the fish used for this study were at adult stage. Heterotrophic bacteria were highest in the mullet gill than in other fish parts. In all, the bacterial count showed slight significant difference at P≥0.05. Seven (7) bacterial genera were identified (Bacillus species, Vibrio species, Pseudomonas species, Shigella species, Escherichia species, Klebsiella species and Staphylococcus species) with Micrococcus species and Bacilluslentus been the only species isolated in all samples during the study period. The investigation reveals a relatively high concentration of bacterial population in the mullet. The observation of high bacterialload in the mullet especially in the gills indicates that mullet pick up these bacteria from their environment when they feed. High bacterialload in fish gill and intestine is as a result of the fish high metabolic rates together with increase feeding activities. The presence of these organisms in the mullet especially in the gills and gastrointestinal tract can be transferred through the trophic level to humans when we consume these fishes. The knowledge of the microflora of mullet can assist in the management of abnormality that may arise as a prelude to the onset of bacterial diseases in the fish. This knowledge may be helpful in the storage of mullet since bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract may affect the quality and storage of the fish.