parasites of cultured cod (gadus morhua) postlarvae fed natural zooplankton

E. Karlsbakk, E. Otterlei, H. Høie, A. Nylund-2001

Bull. Eur. Ass. Fish Pathol., 21(2): 63

Abstract:

Parasitological examination of cod postlarvae (14.5-35.5 mm) fed natural zooplankton (max 1 mm filter) revealed 6 helminth and 3 copepod parasites. Micro-ectoparasites were not detected. The helminths were a pseudophyllidean cestode larva (caeca), 4 immature trematodes (Hemiurus communis, H. luehei, Derogenes varicus, Lecithaster sp.) and larvae of the nematode Hysterothylacium aduncum freely moving in the visceral cavity. The most common parasites found were copepods, various stages of Caligus elongates (skin and fins) and larvae of Holobomolochus confusus in the nostrils. An immature Clavella adunca (Copepods) was found once. All the parasites found are introduced parasites in planktonic copepods (helminths) or as planktonic larvae (copepods). Available knowledge on the impact of these parasites on fish larvae is reviewed.

(University of Bergen, Department of Fisheries and Marine Biology, PO Box 7800, N-5020 Bergen, Norway)

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