AN EPIZOOTIOLOGICAL STUDY ON MOTHOCYA EPIMERICA COSTA, 1851 (FLABELLIFERA: CYMOTHOIDAE) INFESTATIONS IN SAND SMELT, ATHERINA BOYERI RISSO, 1810 (PERCIFORMES: ATHERINIDAE) FOUND IN THE SINOP COASTS OF THE BLACK SEA

An Epizootiological study on Mothocya epimerica Costa, 1851 (Flabellifera: Cymothoidae) infestations in Sand Smelt, Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810 (Perciformes: Atherinidae) found in the Sinop Coasts of the Black Sea

Ahmet Özer

University of Ondokuzmayis, Sinop Fisheries Faculty, 57000, Sinop, TURKEY

Abstract

In this study, a parasitic isopod, Mothocya epimerica (Flabellifera: Cymothoidae) is reported on the Sand Smelt, Atherina boyeri, from a small stream in the Sinop coast of the Black Sea. A total of 320 fish were investigated throughout the study period. All specimens of M. epimerica were found in the branchial cavities of Atherina boyeri. Infestation prevalence determined was 5% in overall samples, while it was 21.3% in April, the only month in which infestation recorded. Male fish were found to have higher infestation level than female fish. A slight increase in the infestation prevalence was also recorded as the size of fish increased.

KeywordsMothocya epimericaAtherina boyeri, Turkey

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