• Shima, J. N.
  Department of Biological Sciences. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Nigeria.
  




• Ikyeleve, I. G.
  Department of Biological Sciences. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Nigeria.
  




• Okoko, P.
  Department of Biological Sciences. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Nigeria.
  




• Akende, A. E.
  Department of Biological Sciences. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Nigeria.
  




• Ode, J. E.
  Department of Biological Sciences. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Nigeria.
  




• Edache, G. J.
  Department of Biological Sciences. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Nigeria.
  




• Omudu, E. A.
  Department of Biological Sciences. Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Nigeria.
  

This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites in some fishes purchased from selected riverine markets along River Benue in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Fish species were randomly purchased from fish vendors at Wadata Market, Wurukum Market, Modern Market, and North Bank Market in Makurdi at various quantities based on availability. The entire gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestine, and associated organs, was carefully removed and placed in Petri dishes containing physiological saline solution (0.85% NaCl). A total of 465 fish specimens comprising Synodontis clarias, Hydrocynus forskalli, Mormyrus rume, Bagrus bayad, Labeo senegalensis, Synodontis schall, Clarias gariepinus, Labeo coubie, Alestes nurse were examined. The diversity of the fish species sampled is an indication of their relative abundance in River Benue. However, Synodontis and Clarias species were most frequently purchased because of their availability. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite is 65.5 % with Synodontis clarias and Clarias gariepinus having the highest infestation of 23.3% and 17.4% respectively. These infestation rates are significant when compared with other seven species examined (χ² = 218.32; P < 0.05). Six species of intestinal parasites were seen Camallanus, Contracaecum, Capillaria, Clinostomum, Diphyllobothrium and Eustrogyloides. Camallanus species (46.45) was the most abundant followed by Capillaria species (19.6%). The occurrence of Camallanus species in the nine species of fishes was statistically significant (χ² = 225.13; P < 0.05. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites recorded among the examined fishes demonstrates that parasitic infections remain common in commercially important freshwater fishes sold in Makurdi.