Author(s): SG Solomon, S Omeji and Attai AF

Abstract: Parasite prevalence of 120 samples of Synodontis membranaceus from Lower River Benue was investigated for eight months (July 2016 - February 2017). 690 Parasites comprising Eutrongylides excisus, Eustrongylides tubifex, Capillaria philipinensis, Contracaecum sp., Camallanus sp. (nematode), Cryptobia iubilans and Trichodina sp. (protozoa) were isolated and identified from 73(60.83%) hosts examined. Of the parasites encountered, nematodes was more prevalent (93.19%) compared to protozoa (6.81%). Seasonal variation of parasite existed, being more prevalent in the dry season (47.28%) than the rainy season (46.96%). Male samples had higher percentage parasite infestation than the female in both rainy and dry seasons. All parasites encountered were isolated from the stomach, intestine and gills. No parasite was found on the skin, liver and kidney. Of the body parts, intestine recorded the highest percentage parasite infestation (62.60%) while gills had the least (1.59%).

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