Comparative Parasitic Infections in Gymnarchus niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) and Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) in Lekki Lagoon, Lagos State, Nigeria
Bamidele, A., Awolumate, S., Taiwo, A., Ovioma, G., excellence, A., Otubanjo, Z., Oyinkansola, T., Nwanma, H., Nyerede, O., Ishola, A., Eloho, P., Omoregie, I., Evelyn, O. (2025). Comparative Parasitic Infections in Gymnarchus niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) and Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) in Lekki Lagoon, Lagos State, Nigeria. EKB Journal Management System, 17(1), 315-325. doi: 10.21608/eajbsz.2025.430013
Akinsanya Bamidele; Samuel Awolumate; Adubi Taiwo; Godwin Ovioma; Akeredolu excellence; Zainab Otubanjo; Tobi Oyinkansola; Henrietta I. Nwanma; Odiogbeyi Nyerede; Akpome Ishola; Patience Eloho; Isibor P. Omoregie; Olotuah O. Evelyn. "Comparative Parasitic Infections in Gymnarchus niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) and Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) in Lekki Lagoon, Lagos State, Nigeria". EKB Journal Management System, 17, 1, 2025, 315-325. doi: 10.21608/eajbsz.2025.430013
Bamidele, A., Awolumate, S., Taiwo, A., Ovioma, G., excellence, A., Otubanjo, Z., Oyinkansola, T., Nwanma, H., Nyerede, O., Ishola, A., Eloho, P., Omoregie, I., Evelyn, O. (2025). 'Comparative Parasitic Infections in Gymnarchus niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) and Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) in Lekki Lagoon, Lagos State, Nigeria', EKB Journal Management System, 17(1), pp. 315-325. doi: 10.21608/eajbsz.2025.430013
Bamidele, A., Awolumate, S., Taiwo, A., Ovioma, G., excellence, A., Otubanjo, Z., Oyinkansola, T., Nwanma, H., Nyerede, O., Ishola, A., Eloho, P., Omoregie, I., Evelyn, O. Comparative Parasitic Infections in Gymnarchus niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) and Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) in Lekki Lagoon, Lagos State, Nigeria. EKB Journal Management System, 2025; 17(1): 315-325. doi: 10.21608/eajbsz.2025.430013

Comparative Parasitic Infections in Gymnarchus niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) and Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) in Lekki Lagoon, Lagos State, Nigeria

Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, B. Zoology
Volume 17, Issue 1, June 2025, Page 315-325  XML PDF (751.87 K)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/eajbsz.2025.430013
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Authors
Akinsanya Bamidele1; Samuel Awolumate2; Adubi Taiwo1; Godwin Ovioma1; Akeredolu excellence1; Zainab Otubanjo1; Tobi Oyinkansola1; Henrietta I. Nwanma1; Odiogbeyi Nyerede3; Akpome Ishola3; Patience Eloho3; Isibor P. Omoregie4; Olotuah O. Evelyn2
1Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria.
2Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, National Open University of Nigeria.
3Department of Biological Sciences, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos,Nigeria.
4Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study investigates the comparative parasitic infections in Gymnarchus niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) and Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) within the ecological context of Lekki Lagoon, Lagos State, Nigeria. Both species, integral to the biodiversity and fisheries of the lagoon, exhibit ecological differences influencing their parasitic burdens. A total of 200 specimens (100 per species) were collected and examined for ecto- and endoparasites using standard parasitological techniques. Results revealed a higher prevalence and mean intensity of parasitic infections in Heterotis niloticus (Tenuisentis niloticus) (65%) compared to Gymnarchus niloticus ( Raphidascaroides sp)(48%), with significant variation (p < 0.05) in parasitic taxa between the two hosts. Identified parasites included helminths (nematodes and trematodes), protozoans, and monogeneans, with Heterotis niloticus hosting a more diverse assemblage, likely attributable to its bentho-pelagic feeding strategy and omnivorous diet, which increase exposure to intermediate hosts. Conversely, Gymnarchus niloticus, as a piscivorous species, exhibited fewer parasite species, dominated by trophically transmitted helminths. Seasonal variations significantly influenced infection rates, with peaks during the wet season correlating with increased host density and ecological interactions. The findings underscore the ecological drivers of parasitism in Lekki Lagoon and their implications for fisheries management. Understanding host-parasite dynamics in these commercially and ecologically significant species is crucial for sustainable exploitation and conservation strategies in freshwater ecosystems.
Keywords
Enteric parasites; water quality; Gymnarchus; parasite intensity
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