Department Of Fisheries And Aquaculture, College Of Forestry And Fisheries, University Of Agriculture, Makurdi, Pmb 2373 Benue State, Nigeria.
A study on Parasites of Heterotisniloticus from the Lower River Benue at Makurdi, was carried out. One hundred and twenty fish samples wereParasitologically examined. Result from the study revealed the following parasites; Eustrongylidesspp, DiphilobothriumLatum and Capillaria spp. Parasites were found in the stomach, intestine and gills.No parasite was recordedon the skin, and the fins.Eustrongylidesspp, and Capillariasppwere found in the stomach, intestine, and gills; while Diphilobothriumlatumwas found only in the stomach and intestine. The intestine recorded the highest parasitic load (39.41%), while the gills recorded(33.83%), and stomach (26.77%) respectively. Parasites were more prevalent in smaller fishesof 25- 40 cm total length size range. Parasites were also more prevalentin females (52.90%)whileit was lowest in the males (47.10%). Based on findings from this study, it istherefore, recommended that proper handling and adequate cooking of seafood should be employed to prevent related human infections.
Key words: parasites, fish, River Benue