DIVERSITY OF HELMINTHS IN THE GUT OF MYSTUS BLEEKERI AND OREOCHROMIS MOSSAMBICUS FROM THE PRAVARA RIVER, AHILYANAGAR DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

The present investigation examines the diversity and infection dynamics of gastrointestinal
helminths in two ecologically important freshwater fishes, Mystus bleekeri and Oreochromis
mossambicus, collected from the Pravara River, Maharashtra. Sampling was conducted over a
one-year period (January 2023–December 2024) to evaluate seasonal variation in parasite
prevalence and intensity. A total of 180 specimens (90 individuals of each species) were
analyzed. Helminth parasites belonging to Trematoda, Cestoda, and Nematoda were
identified. Mystus bleekeri exhibited comparatively higher parasite richness due to its benthic
feeding habit, whereas O. mossambicus showed moderate infection levels. Seasonal peaks in
infection were recorded during the monsoon and post-monsoon months. The findings provide
valuable baseline data on host-specific parasite assemblages and contribute to understanding
fish health in the Pravara River ecosystem.