| Helminth parasites pose a significant challenge to the well-being, development and output of freshwater fish, resulting in financial setbacks for the fisheries and aquaculture industries. This study explored the frequency and seasonal changes of helminth infections in freshwater fish from Parichha dam in Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 264 fish representing four species were collected and examined between November 2025 to September 2026. Among them, 66 fish were infected by four major groups, namely tapeworm, nematodes, trematodes and acanthocephalans. Infection varied among fish species, with the prevalence of overall all helminth parasites highest recorded in winter (40.63%), moderate in rainy season (18.06%) whereas lowest in summer (14.58%). Highest intensity and density in winter season 2.23% and 0.91%, moderate in summer season 1.57% and 0.23% and lowest in rainy season 1.00% and 0.18 %. Tapeworm highest intensity and density in winter season 0.72% and 0.29%; moderate in rainy season 0.31% and 0.06% and lowest in summer season. Trematodes highest intensity in summer season 0.79%; moderate in rainy season 0.62% and lowest in winter 0.51% and highest density in winter season 0.21 % and their lowest density in summer and rainy season 0.11%. Nematodes highest intensity and density found in winter 0.64% and 0.26%; moderate in summer season 0.50% and 0.07% and lowest in rainy season. Acanthocephelans highest intensity and density in winter 0.36% and 0.15%; moderate in summer season 0.29% and 0.04% and lowest in rainy season 0.08% and 0.01%.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Helminth, Freshwater fish, Seasonal parameters, Parichha dam, district Jhansi, Bundelkhand region, U.P., India
|