Ethnoichthyological knowledge and perception in traditional medicine in Ondo and Lagos States, southwest Nigeria

Fish are an important source of food and commerce, and of immense benefit for their nutritional qualities and other various applications such as biopharmaceutical drugs, oil, rituals, festivals, ceremonies and leather. Ethnomedical applications of fish are most prevalent among the Yoruba clan of Nigeria in West Africa, and in other parts of the world. We review here knowledge of ethnoichthyology and applications in Lagos and Ondo states. One hundred and twenty participants (rural- and urban-based traditionalists, fish farmers, and herb sellers) were surveyed. Clarias species had the highest usage (48% of uses) followed by Malapterurus electricus (15%). Fish were used for healings, rituals, sacrifices, ceremonies and festivals. They were reported to be used with plants, inanimate objects and various odu ifa (incantations) based on their physical and spiritual endowments. Of 179 recipes, 23% were fish alone, while others used different parts of the fish with other materials.