Abstract

The Mockokid, upside down catfish, Synodontis batensoda caught with various fishing gears were studied for parasites for a period of 12 months (March 2007 to February 2008) in Rivers Niger and Benue at the Confluence. Out of 84 fish specimens examined, 61 (72.6%) fish hosts were infected, while 23 (27.4%) were uninfected. The total parasites recovered were 1196, comprising one protozoan ciliate (Trichodinids), two Digeneans (Allocreadim ghanensis and Metacercariae of Pygidiopsis genata), four Cestodes (Monobothrioides woodlandi, Bothriocephalus acheilognathii, Proteocephalus largoploglotis and Caryophyleus sp.), six Nematodes (Procamallanus laevionchus, Rhabdochona congolensis, Spinitectus guntheri, Oxyuris equi, Contracaecum microcephalum, Strongylides sp and larval Nematodes) and the Acanthocephalans (Acanthocephalus sp., Neoechinorhynchus prolixum andAcanthella sp. - the immature stages). Acanthocephalans had the highest prevalence among the parasites recovered. All parasites were recovered from the intestines except the Trichodinids which were recovered from the gills and skin of fish hosts. The relationship of host weight and parasite infection showed infection was highly significant (p < 0.01) in fish of larger weight of 76 to 100 g and above. There was no significant (p > 0.01) difference between the male and female fish hosts, both being equally infected. Multiple infections were recorded in several fish hosts, an indication of the rich parasitic fauna of the localities. This study provides an overview of parasites of S. batensoda in Rivers Niger and Benue at the Confluence.

Key words: Parasites, protozoan, helminths, nematodes, cestodes, acanthocephalans, Synodontis batensoda, Rivers Niger-Benue Confluence, Nigeria.