Intensity and prevalence of some crustacean fish parasites in Turkey and their molecular identification

Abstract

In the present study, intensity, prevalence, and some pathologic effects of Caligus minimus, Nerocila spp., and Livoneca punctata on fishes extending from the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey were determined. In addition, besides morphological characters of parasites, diagnosis of the species was carried out by using a molecular method (polymerase chain reaction) in characterization. Caligus minimus was isolated for the first time from wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) from the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey. Seasonal distribution of Nerocila spp. was determined. The highest prevalence rates of Nerocila were determined on snouted sole (Pegusa nasuta, syn. Solea nasuta) at 26.94%, wrasse or corkwing (Sy mphodus spp.) at 16.77%, rusty blenny (Parablennius sanguinolentus) at 11.76%, goby fishes (Gobius niger and Neogobius melanostomus) at 5.21%, and pipefish (Sy ngnathus sp.) at 3.44%. Conversely, Nerocila spp. were not isolated from whiting (Merlangius merlangus), horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus), Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda), sardine (Sardina pilchardus), Black Sea herring (Alosa immaculata), or picarel (Spicara smaris). Livoneca punctata was only isolated from Black Sea herring (Alosa immaculata). The most common pathological symptoms were mechanical injury on the skin and fins of the infested fish.