Abstract
Aim:
Pond water or water used in intensive fish rearing contains many microorganisms that could be pathogenic or opportunistic pathogens to fish, human, and planktons. This study was aimed at analyzing the microbiological quality of some selected fish ponds in Wukari Metropolis.

Methods:
Samples were collected from two fish farms in Wukari Metropolis, which are Federal University Fish Farm and Clear Wave Fish Farm, using pour plate and spread plate techniques. Pure isolates were subjected to biochemical tests for proper identification. The fungi isolates were identified based on colony features and microscopic examination of mounts of the isolate made in lactophenol blue.

Results:
The results from this study showed eight bacterial species, which includes, Staphylococcus aureus (35.29%), Bacillus cereus (8.82%), Serratia marcesens (5.88%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.71%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.76%), Escherichia coli (8.82%), Salmonella spp. (8.82%) and Shigella spp. (5.88%). The fungi isolated was Aspergillus flavus (100%). The total colony-forming unit of the bacterial isolates ranged from 5.9 × 103–2.82 × 105 CFU/ml. All the samples were positive for bacteria, but only a few samples from Clear Wave Fish Farm were positive for fungi.

Conclusion:
The presence of these microorganisms causes contamination of the fish pond water, which is pathogenic to the fish and humans as well through the consumption of these fish. Their presence in fish intended for human consumption may constitute a potential danger, thus causing diseases. Hence, further steps should be taken to eliminate or reduce the quantity of pathogens in the ponds through hygienic and healthy practices for the production of healthy fish and the safety of human health.