Helminth Parasites of Clarias gariepinus (African Catfish) in Tiga Dam, Kano State, North West Nigeria

This study determines the prevalence and intensity of helminth parasites infecting Clarias gariepinus in Tiga Dam, Kano State, located in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. Clarias gariepinus is the most commercially important fish species in Tiga Dam, and understanding its parasite burden is essential for both fish health management and consumer safety. Fish were collected monthly over five months using seine nets and longlines. A total of 200 specimens were examined following standard parasitological protocols including total gut dissection and examination of body cavity, liver, gills, and musculature. Overall helminth prevalence was 68.5 percent. Five helminth species were recovered comprising two nematode species, two trematode species, and one cestode species. Contracaecum sp. was the most prevalent helminth (43.5%), followed by Clinostomum complanatum (29.0%). Larger fish (greater than 30 cm) showed higher parasite species richness and intensity than smaller individuals. Male fish had marginally higher prevalence than females, though this was not statistically significant. Condition factor did not differ significantly between parasitised and unparasitised fish, suggesting subclinical infection in most cases. Clinostomum metacercariae were recovered from the musculature, posing a potential food safety concern for consumers of raw or undercooked fish. Recommendations include public health education on proper cooking, regular parasitological monitoring of commercial fish catches, and investigation of snail intermediate host populations in the reservoir. Keywords: helminths, Clarias gariepinus, Tiga Dam, prevalence, fish parasites.