ABSTRACT
This research aimed at evaluating the microbiological quality of fresh catfish (Clarias gariepinus) sold in three different markets and ponds in Minna metropolis. The total plate counts from Bosso pond are 2.7 × 102 cfu/mL and 3.8 × 102 cfu/mL (satisfactory) for skin and gills respectively. Kure pond includes total plate counts of 4.7 × 103 cfu/mL and 3.3 × 102 cfu/mL (satisfactory) for skin and gills respectively while Mobil pond had total plate counts of 2.5 × 103 cfu/mL and 2.5 × 102 cfu/mL on skin and gills respectively. The total coliforms counts from Bosso pond are 3.8 × 102 cfu/mL and 3.0 × 101 cfu/mL (satisfactory) for skin and gills respectively. Kure pond includes total coliforms counts of 2.4 × 102 cfu/mL and 2.6 × 102 cfu/mL (satisfactory) for skin and gills respectively while Mobil pond had total coliforms counts of 4.6 × 103 cfu/mL and 3.2 × 104 cfu/mL on skin and gills respectively. The coliforms count of fresh catfish (Clarias gariepinus) obtained from three markets locations are total coliforms counts from Bosso market are 5.6 × 104 cfu/mL and 4.0 × 105 cfu/mL (Unsatisfactory) for skin and gills respectively. Kure market includes total coliforms counts of 1.6 × 103 cfu/mL and 7.2 × 103 cfu/mL (satisfactory) for skin and gills respectively while Mobil market had total coliforms counts of 6.0 × 104 cfu/mL and 4.8 × 104 cfu/mL (Marginal) on skin and gills respectively. The fungal count of fresh catfish (Clarias gariepinus) obtained from three markets locations are Bosso market 1.3 × 102 cfu/mL and 1.5 × 101 cfu/mL (satisfactory) for skin and gills respectively. Kure market 2.0 × 103 cfu/mL and 1.0 × 102 cfu/mL (satisfactory) for skin and gills respectively while Mobil market had total fungal counts of 1.7 × 104 cfu/mL and 1.7 × 102 cfu/mL on skin and gills respectively. The following bacteria were isolated Escherichia coli, Bacillus substilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas species, Streptococcus species, Shigella species and Enterobacter species. The fungi isolated were Rhizopus spp and Aspergillus niger.