Metazoan Parasites of Some Commercially Important Fish along the Kenyan Coast
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Date
2004
Authors
Aloo, P. A.
Anam, R. O.
Mwangi, J. N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
WIOMSA
Abstract
The parasitic fauna of some commercial fish species along the Kenyan coast was
investigated at four localities between August 2001 and March 2002. The study was carried out
to establish the extent of parasitisation of different fish species and quantify the relationship
between the parasites and their fish hosts. Fish samples were collected once a month from four
landing beaches. Sixteen fish species were examined out of which only eight were infested
with ecto-and endo parasites. The infested fish species included: the rabbitfish (Siganus sutor),
the mackerels (Selar crumenophthalmus, Scomberomorus commerson and Rastrelliger
kanarguta), parrot fish (Leptoscarus vagiensis), sardine (Sardinella gibbosa), tuna (Thunnus
sp.) and needle fish (Hemiramphus far). Of the eight species, Si. sutor was most infested with
parasites while Sardinella and Leptoscarus were primarily infested with ectoparasites (isopods).
Intensity of infestation increased with age (size), especially in Si. sutor, where very young fish
had a low infestation rate, while adults were heavily infested (P < 0.01). No significant differences
were observed in the intensity of infestation between sexes in Si. sutor (P > 0.05).
Description
Keywords
metazoan parasites, fish, Kenyan coast
Citation
Journal of Marine Science Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 71–78,