Host-parasite relationships: occurrence and effect of the parasitic isopod Mothocya epimerica on sand smelt Atherina boyeri in the Mesolongi and Etolikon Lagoons (W. Greece).
The parasite-host relationship between Mothocya epimerica, Costa 1851 (Isopoda: Flabellifera: Cymothoidae) and sand smelt Atherina boyeri (Osteichthyes: Atherinidae) fish populations were studied in the Mesolongi and Etolikon Lagoons (W. Greece). Prevalence varied during the year from 12.5% in November to 52.5% in September; overall mean prevalence was 41.9%. Parasite size increased with host size. Infections did not have a significant effect on the host's body condition, such as length-weight relationship, gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index and relative condition factor. Histological damage to the host was observed on the gills (especially in the second and third and arches upon which the female parasite rests her abdomen). The physiological cost resulting from this infection seems to be little and probably does not constitute a serious threat for individual host survival.
Leonardos
Ioannis
I
Biological Applications and Technology Department, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece. ileonard@cc.uoi.gr
Trilles
Jean-Paul
JP
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005393:Fish Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D005399:Fishes; D005880:Gills / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D033321:Isopoda / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009055:Mouth / Q000469:parasitology; D010273:Parasitic Diseases, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012621:Seasons