A massive infestation of sea snakes by cymothoid isopods.
In this study, a massive infestation of the sea snake Enhydrina schistosa by the cymothoid isopod Nerocila serra, commonly parasitizing fishes, is reported for the first time from India. This isopod was found attached on the different parts of the body of the snake. According to the month, the parasitic prevalence ranged from 30.8 to 55.3%, increasing during the monsson period. It was higher in female than in male snakes.
Center of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Portonovo - 608 502, Tamil Nadu, India. sarvaan@yahoo.com
A
A
Saravanakumar
T
T
Balasubramanian
K
K
Raja
Jean-Paul
JP
Trilles
D000825:Animal Structures / Q000469:parasitology; D000818:Animals; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D017815:Elapidae / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D007194:India; D033321:Isopoda / Q000254:growth & development*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012621:Seasons