UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

This review highlights helminthological studies conducted on Wallago attu, a commercially and ecologically important catfish in the Godavari River, Nashik, India. As a key species in the local fishery, W. attu serves as a bioindicator of the health of the aquatic ecosystem. The Godavari River, a crucial freshwater habitat threatened by human activities, highlights the importance of studying parasitism in resident fish to guide conservation and management efforts. We reviewed journals, theses, and reports (2000 to 2024) to identify helminth diversity, infection patterns, and ecological impacts. Results reveal a diverse parasitic fauna infecting W. attu, dominated by nematodes (Procamallanus spp.), trematodes (Euclinostomum spp.), cestodes (Senga spp.), and acanthocephalans (Pallisentis spp.), which most often infect the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and muscles. Seasonal prevalence and intensity varied, linked to monsoon-driven hydrological shifts, decreased water quality, and a piscivorous host diet, supporting trophic transmission. High parasite burdens are related to histopathological damage, growth delays, and weakened immunity, which are risk factors that impact the sustainability of populations and fish health. This review emphasizes the importance of incorporating parasitological data into aquatic health monitoring to mitigate human impacts on the Godavari ecosystem. Future research should prioritize eco-epidemiological surveys, experimental studies on host-parasite interactions, and community awareness programs to promote ecological resilience and livelihood security. These actions are essential for developing evidence-based policies in sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity conservation within India's rapidly changing freshwater ecosystems.

                                                                                                     Graphical Abstract