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Evaluation of parasites associated with mudskipper Periophthalmus spp. sold in selected waterfronts market in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Evaluation of parasites associated with mudskipper Periophthalmus spp. sold in selected waterfront markets in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, was undertaken. A total of 110 live mudskippers were sampled and examined for the presence of ecto- and endo-parasites. The gobiid fish sampled were identified into three species; P. modestus, P. koelreuteric and P. papilio. The mean length and weight were noted, pectoral fins, gills and intestine were examined for the presence of parasites. The abdominal cavities and mesenteries were examined for migratory juvenile nematodes and metacercariae. Normal saline was used to process gut content for microscopic examination. Inferential statistics was used to analyze data. Result revealed that P. modestus, P. papilio and P. keulreuteric had prevalences of 80.0%, 76.7% and 86.0% respectively. The parasites encountered were Dactylogyrus spp. and Gyrodactylus spp. ( Monogeneans); Diplostomium spp. (Digenean); Diphyllobotrium spp. and Proteocephaus spp. (Cestodes) and Capillaria spp., Goezia spp. and Daemodora spp. (Nematodes). The result showed that Capillaria spp . had the highest parasite mean intensity and parasite mean abundance of 2.71 and 1.04 respectively. Also, Goezia had the highest parasite mean prevalence of 50%. At p>0.05, the endo-parasites were statistically significant level. Keywords : Parasites; Periophthalmus spp.