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ABSTRACT
Freshwater fishes are a very good and common source of staple protein for so many Nigerians. They are affordable and lucrative generating a widespread income. However, certain factors can affect and reduce their productivity, one of these crucial factors being Parasitism. A lot of research and review spanning from 1969 till date has been conducted to ascertain and explore the relationship between these fishes and helminth parasites here in Nigeria. Taking into perspective freshwater fishes from River Owan in Edo state, this study is aimed at identifying nematodes, trematodes, and cestodes using morphological and staining techniques in examined species. Some fishes have displayed higher susceptibility to specific helminth parasites compared to other fishes in the course of research. This indicates the evolutionary process between the host and parasites. Amongst the diverse freshwater species found in river Owan, Clarias gariepinus, and Malapterurus electricus were examined for the space of three months. A high prevalence of nematodes and trematodes was notably discovered in this research. These results provide important information about the structure of the helminth parasite community in the freshwater ecosystem of the Owan River, as well as emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and management strategies to minimize their effects on fish biodiversity and ecosystem health in the region. This research contributes to our understanding of host-parasite interactions while also emphasizing the need for conservation measures to maintain the integrity and health of freshwater ecosystems in Edo State, Nigeria.
