HELMINTH PARASITES OF FISH

ABSTRACT

Fish is an essential animal protein and as such it is found in almost every part of the wolrd. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and mean intensity of helminth parasites in fish from ovia River, Benin city, Edo State. A total of 30 fishes comprising of 2 families and 2 species were purchased from local fisher-women who fished regularly at the Ovia river. The fish species are Synodontis nigrita, and Clarias gariepinus. The examined fishes included 20 Synodontis nigrita and 10 Clarias gariepinus. Parasites found in Synodontis nigrita were nematodes (Spirocamallanus spiralis and Procamallanus laeviconchus) and parasites found in Clarias gariepinus were cestodes. Results showed that helminth parasites had an overall prevalence of 20%. Synodontis nigrita had a higher prevalence of infection (25%) while Clarias gariepinus (10%). Nematodes had an higher prevalence (16.6%) and cestodes had a lower prevalence (3.3%). The major site of infection was the intestine. It is adviced that fishes should be properly washed and cooked and the public should be enlightened to create awareness on the helminth parasites of fresh water fishes.