![]() ![]() Fish species in rivers Niger and Benue are highly infected with parasites. The gastrointestinal tracts (287 (65.2%)) significantly harboured more parasites than branchial chamber (52 (11.8%)). Out of the total fish samples examined, females (191 (80.3%)) were observed to harbour more parasites than males (148 (73.3%)). zillii (81 (95.3%)) had the highest prevalence, while O. (nematode), Capillaria sp., Rhabdochona congolensis (nematode), Contracaecum sp. A total of seven parasites species were harboured in branchial chamber and gastrointestinal tracts of fish species from rivers Niger and Benue: Clinostomum sp. The chi-square test was used to determine if any significant difference exists in prevalence between the sexes, body parts, fish species, and parasites species, while the t-test was used to determine if any significant difference exists in prevalence between the gills and intestines of each fish species. The chi-square test was used to compare prevalence of parasites according to sexes, body parts examined, fish species, and parasites species, while the t-test was used to compare between gills and intestines of each fish species. Gastrointestinal tracts were removed from each fish, placed in physiological saline, and examined microscopically for parasites. The two opercula of each fish were removed and examined for parasites parasites recovered were preserved in 0.7% physiological saline. Fish samples were collected within a period of 12 months, and the species and sex of the fish were identified. These fish species are Tilapia zillii, Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias species, Synodontis schall, and Megalops atlanticus. This study was conducted to determine the parasitic profile of the branchial and gastrointestinal tracts of freshwater fish species from Niger and Benue rivers at Lokoja. Freshwater fish species are posing health challenges by either serving as host of parasites that are harmful to man and animals. ![]()
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