Experimental animals
The animals used for experimental purpose were matured goldfish (Carassius auratus)(n = 105) with an average weight of 20.75 ± 0.25 g. The fish procured from Aquarium Shop, Kurla, Maharashtra, India were completely free from infestation of ectoparasites and were healthy. The stock was acclimatized under aerated conditions for a period of 10 days and was fed with commercial pelleted goldfish diet.