Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Aurelia ȚOȚOIU, Neculai PATRICHE
Ectoparasites affect the external surfaces of fish, specifically the skin, fins, eyes, and gills. This study analyzes biological samples of pelagic and demersal fish collected between 2016 and 2019 from the Romanian Black Sea coast. Six fish species were examined for ectoparasites: Sprattus spratus (sprat), Engraulis encrasicolus (anchovy), Trachurus mediterraneus (horse mackerel), Platichthys flesus (flounder), Pegusa lascaris (sand sole), and Scophthalmus maeoticus (turbot). Four ectoparasite species were identified: Trichodina domerguei and Cryptocaryon irritans (protozoa), Mazocraes alosae (flatworm), and Cystoopsis acipenseris (nematode). T. domerguei was the most common ectoparasite and had the highest level of infestation, particularly in turbot, which averaged 28 parasites per host, with 27-65% affected. M. alosae was found in sprat, while C. acipenseris and C. irritans affected horse mackerel and sand sole at low levels. Infestations caused by ectoparasites in fish do not have as great an impact as infections with other pathogens (such as viruses and bacteria). Still, it is one of the secondary causes of viral and bacterial diseases.
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