Vol. 14 No. 38-46 (2023): Parasites associated with wild and cultured fish in selected parts of Niger State, Nigeria

Parasites in fish is of great concern as it affects its host and consumers, despite its high benefits to

man, they are faced with different infections which could mostly be due to human activities around

its environment or through fish handling. This study assessed parasites infecting 5 different fish

host namely Mormyrus rume, Lates niloticus, Bagrus bayad, Clarias gariepinus and Heteroclarias

(hydrid) which were collected randomly from three sampling stations (a dam and two ponds) in

Niger State, Nigeria over a period of 8 months to determine the prevalence of parasite infection in

the various fish host. Fish specimen were collected using line and cast net. All fish samples

collected were transported to the laboratory for parasitological examinations. Sites examined for

parasites were gill, stomach and intestine. Analysis of parasites found in both environments

revealed significant (p<0.05) difference between parasites in fishes. Opisthorchis sp (21.49 %) was

higher compared to other parasites species of which Trichodina sp (3.51 %) is the least from the

wild. Capillaria sp from the ponds studied had higher percentage of infection in the fishes

although pond B (58.33 %) recorded little higher than pond A (50 %) followed by Camallanus sp

with pond A (36.61 %) having higher percentage compare to pond B (16.67 %). C. gariepinus (75

%) had the highest number of parasite infection compared to Heteroclarias (25 %). This study

revealed the presence of parasites infection from the study areas which are indicators of potential

organisms that can cause harm if not properly managed. Routine research is encouraged to monitor

various water bodies either, rivers, dams and ponds in the State to reduce health risk, fish loss and

economic loss.