Which ostariophysan fishes can serve as hosts for human parasites?

Several ostariophysan fishes serve as intermediate hosts for parasites that can infect humans, primarily through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish.12

The most notable examples include:

• Carps: Various species of carp, such as the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), act as the second intermediate host for the Chinese liver fluke (Clonorchis sinensis). This parasite causes clonorchiasis, a chronic infection of the human bile ducts.132
• Cyprinids: Many members of the family Cyprinidae serve as intermediate hosts for the cat liver fluke (Opisthorchis felineus), which can also infect humans.13

In these life cycles, the parasite typically develops first in a freshwater snail before infecting the fish, where it remains until the fish is consumed by a definitive host, such as a human or other mammal. To prevent infection, it is essential to ensure that all freshwater fish are thoroughly cooked before consumption.243