PREVALENCE OF GATRO-INTESTINAL PARASITES IN Clarias gariepinus SOLD IN IBADAN CENTRAL MARKET, IBADAN, NIGERIA

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in fish pose significant public health and economic challenges, especially in urban markets with suboptimal handling conditions. This study examined the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) sold at Ibadan Central Market, Nigeria, to assess associated health risks. Due to increasing catfish demand and limited research on market-sold fish, forty (40) C. gariepinus samples of varying sizes were randomly purchased and transported alive to the Fish Biology Laboratory, University of Ibadan. The gastrointestinal tracts were dissected, and parasites were identified using morphological analysis under a dissecting microscope. Statistical analysis were done using Microsoft excel to calculate prevalence in frequencies and percentages. Results showed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites: tapeworms (37%), Entamoeba histolytica (25%), Taenia spp. (13%), and Ascaris eggs (25%), mainly in the intestines. Larger fish had higher parasite loads and female fish showed a greater prevalence of Ascaris eggs. Findings suggest contamination from environmental sources and poor fish-handling practices. These results highlight the public health risks of consuming inadequately cooked or improperly handled C. gariepinus. Given the zoonotic potential of some parasites, urgent interventions are needed to improve fish handling, storage, and market sanitation.