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

Yıl 2002, Cilt: 8 Sayı: 1, - , 01.04.2002

Ahmet Özer

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Key words: Mothocya epimerica , Atherina boyeri , Turkey