Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
2007, Vol 7, Num, 2 (Pages: 83-87)
Helminth Bioload of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacepede 1802) from Lekki Lagoon Lagos, Nigeria
2 Department of Zoology, Parasitology Unit, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
3 Department of Zoology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria Viewed : 3981 - Downloaded : 3110 Two hundred and sixty randomly selected specimens of a common fish, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Lacepede 1802) collected over a period of one year from Lekki Lagoon, Lagos were subjected to parasitological examinations. The prevalence of helminth infections was 12.7%. Thirty three (33) of the fish specimens examined were infected with gastrointestinal helminth parasites. A total of seventy eight (78) parasite specimens were recovered from the fish specimens examined. The males (205) recorded a lower rate of infection (10.7%) than the females (55) which had a prevalence of 20%. Helminth parasites recovered include a cestode, Proteocephalus sp, an aspidogastrid trematode, Aspidogastrea africanus, and a nematode Paracamallanus cyathopharynx. Worm burden and intensity were low and independent of sex and age of fish. No seasonal variation in parasite intensity was observed. Keywords : bioload, helminths, Lekki Lagoon