Parasites of cultured cod (Gadus morhua) postlarvae fed natural zooplankton

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


Bulletin of the European Association of Fish Pathologists, 21 (2) : 63-70  (from Current Contents)

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. Iuehei, 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 elongatus (skin and fins) and larvae of Holobomolochus confusus in the nostrils. An immature Clavella adunca (Copepoda) was found once. All the parasites found are introduced as parasites in planktonic copepods (helminths) or as planktonic larvae (copepods). Available knowledge on the impact of these parasites on fish larvae is reviewed.

(Univ Bergen, Dept Fisheries & Marine Biol, POB 7800, N-5020 Bergen, Norway)


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