Emmanuel, B.E. and Aromodiu, H.A.W.

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Parasites in three economically important fishes (Ethmalosa fimbriata, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus and Sarotherodon melanotheron) from Lagos Lagoon were studied between March and August, 2015. Out of 90 specimens analyzed, a total of 41 (45.6%) specimens were infected with parasites having a total parasite count of 735. Glochida accounted for the most abundant parasite in the gills and skin of C. nigrodigitatus having a prevalence of 43.81%, Ergasilus sp. had the least amount of prevalence with 0.41%, Gyrodactylus had a prevalence of 6.80%, Neobenedenia had a prevalence level of 0.95%. Larvae forms of Eustrongylides from S. melanotheron had a prevalence level of 4.08% while Piscinodinium which was identified from the gills of both S. melanotheron and E. fimbriata had a prevalence level of 41.36%, an unidentified worm had a prevalence of 2.59%. Human beings who consumed raw or under - cooked fish that are infected with larval stages of Eustrongylides have experienced gastritis or inflammation of the stomach and intestinal perforation requiring surgical removal of worms. Key words: Parasite, fish, gill, skin, under - cooked, gastritis intestinal perforation