Author(s): Omeji S, Obande RA and Gbem BO

Abstract: Helminth parasites of 240 Synodontis resupinata comprising of 120 samples each from Rivers Mu and Benue was determined. Of the 120 S. resupinata from River Mu, 46.67% fish samples were infested with 59.66% parasites while out of the 120 S. resupinata from River Benue, 27.50% fish samples were infested with 40.34% parasites. While higher parasite prevalence of 23.33% and lower mean intensity of 1.27 were recorded for S. resupinata from River Mu, lower parasite prevalence of 13.75% and higher mean intensity of 1.45 were recorded for S. resupinata from River Benue. Generally, fish samples from River Mu had higher parasite infestation than those from River Benue. Four different parasites; Diphilobothrium latum, Eustrongylides sp, Capilaria philippinensis and Neoechinorhinchus rutili were recorded from the stomach and intestine of S. resupinata from Rivers Mu and Benue during the study period. From River Mu, D. Latum accounted for the highest percentage parasite species (38.03%) while the lowest (11.27%) was recorded for N. Rutili whereas, while E. Sp accounted for the highest percentage parasite species from River Benue, N. Rutili (10.42%) was the least. Generally, stomach of S. Resupinata from River Mu had higher percentage parasite load (47.89%) than the intestine (42.02%). Also, while 54.17% parasite load was recorded for the stomach of fish samples from River Benue, 45.83% was recorded for the intestine. Highest (40.85%) and lowest (11.27%) parasite loads were recorded for length groups of 60.1-75.0cm and 0-15.0cm, respectively for fish samples from River Mu while the highest (27.08%) and lowest (10.42%) parasite loads were also recorded for length groups of 60.1-75.0cm and 0-15.0cm, respectively for fish samples from River Benue. Generally, higher percentage prevalence (46.67%) but lower intensity (1.27) were recorded for S. resupinata from River Mu than S. resupinata from River Benue with 27.50% prevalence and 1.45 mean intensity. Highest (28.17%) and lowest (14.08%) parasite loads were recorded for weight groups of 251.0-300.0g and 150.0-200.0g, respectively for fish samples from River Mu while the highest (29.17%) and lowest (10.42%) parasite loads were also recorded for weight groups of 251.0-300.0g and 150.0-200.0g, respectively, for fish samples from River Benue. Male S. resupinata from Rivers Mu had higher percentage parasite load (63.38%) than the female with 36.62% parasite load. Also, male S. resupinata from Rivers Benue had higher percentage parasite load (64.58%) than the female with 35.42% parasite load.

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