Parasitofauna in Some Freshwater Fish Species in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 617 freshwater fishes comprising of 181 (29.3%), 211 (34.2%) and 225 (36.5%) of Tilapia zilli, Clarias anguillaris and Clarias gariepinus respectively were examined for helminth parasites. Out of these 386 62.6%, C.I =0.58–0.68 were infected. Cuculanus species (a nematode) accounted for the highest prevalence 249 (40.4%, C.I.=0.35-0.45) in the fish species examined. There were significant differences in the occurrence of Monobothrium (F=1.29; P<0.05 P. Clariae (F= 3.92; P<0.05) and N. rutili (F= 1.07; P < 0.05) in the Gastrointestinal tract of fish species examined. The prevalence of infection in the fish species examined increases with their standard length and body weight. The prevalence of infection in male and female fish species except C. anguillaris was statistically significant (P>0.05).