Parasites of (Lowe, 1838) (Actinopterygii: Clupeidae) and Their Potential as Biological Tags for Stock Identification along the Coast of West Africa.

This study is the first to provide information on the parasite fauna of along the coasts of Benin and Ghana, and the first to investigate the potential use of parasites as biological tags in fish population studies in the area. It may thus serve as a starting point for upcoming studies. From February to June 2021, a total of 200 were sampled from the fishing port of Cotonou (Benin) and the Elmina landing site (Ghana). The prevalence and abundance of each parasite were recorded. The following are the outcomes of this study: Parasite species, such as , sp. and , were recorded along the coasts of Benin and Ghana, while sp(p). and were only recorded along the coast of Benin. was the most prevalent and abundant among all the parasites recorded. sp(p). and were selected as having potential in the stock identification of . Both parasites were only recorded along the coast of Benin at a low prevalence. As a result, examinations of more from each location for these parasites may justify their use in stock identification studies.