Helminth Parasites of Gobies from Two Creeklets of the New Calabar River, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: An animal species either serves as a definitive, a paratenic or an intermediate host to helminth parasites which may be species or site specific. This study was undertaken to investigate the intestinal helminth parasites of gobies (Bostrychus africanus and Periophthalmus papilio) collected from two creeklets of the New Calabar River. Study Design: Fifteen samples of each species were collected (from two stations fortnightly) measured and weighed. All fish was dissected and intestinal parasites were collected, identified and counted. Physico-chemical parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and salinity) of the study areas were also measured in dry and rainy seasons. A total of 240 fish samples were examined of B. africanus (Standard length (SL) of 3 -12 cm, weight of 30 -36.1g), and P. papilio (SL of 5.9 -15 cm, weight of 4 -28.2g). Study Period: Study was between October 2016 and May 2017. Results: A total of three hundred and eigthy nine (389) nematodes (Ascaridida) were isolated from 25.4% of the sampled fish. Bostrychus africanus had higher percentage prevalence and mean intensity (91.6 % and 23 in station 1, 21.8 % and 20.5 in station 2). P. papilio had a lower Original Research Article

Assessment of Physicochemical and Microbiological Qualities of Potable Water Sources in Okorenkoko, Delta State Nigeria

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Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites, Stomach Contents and Condition Factor of Bostrychus africanus (Sleeper gobies) and Periophthalmus papilio (Mudskipper) found in Ikpukulu-Ama Creek, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

“…However, scientific reporting of parasitic infections in these fish species is scanty. Ugbomeh et al [4] found Ascaridida nematodes in B. africanus and P. papilio, with higher parasite infection prevalence in B. africanus. Robert et al [13] found Raphidascaroides africanus in Rumuolumeni and Afikpo markets in Port Harcourt, Nigeria; while, Elele and Aziaka [14] reported the presence of monogenean, digenean, cestode and nematode parasites in Periophthalmus species obtained from some waterfronts in Rivers State, Nigeria.…”

“…Gobiids, such as Bostrychus africanus and Periophthalmus papilio, are carnivores that feed on crustaceans and other benthic invertebrates, small fishes and insects. Many species pass through a marine larval stage during which they feed on plankton [4]. The analysis of fish stomach content, which depends on food availability and varies by location, provides information about their feeding habits and culture potential [5].…”

“…Nonetheless, fish health can be negatively impacted by parasites, especially helminth parasites, which leave fish susceptible to infections [6]. Fish health is determined by their condition factor, which varies by species and season [7], and is influenced by anthropogenic activities, food abundance, diet, ideal temperature, and salinity [4,8,9]. Fish regularly ingest the larval stage of helminth parasites because of the abundance and diversity of these parasites in the aquatic ecosystem [10].…”

Terrestrial crustaceans (Arthropoda, Crustacea): taxonomic diversity, terrestrial adaptations, and ecological functions

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