Comparative assessment of parasite infections in marine food fishes

Aravinda, T and Ramudu, Kurva Raghu and Haragi, B S and Hussain, Tanveer and Lincy, M J and Sagar and Kalidas, C (2026) Comparative assessment of parasite infections in marine food fishes. Journal of Livestock Science, 17. pp. 862-869. ISSN 2277-6214

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Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of parasitic infections in selected commercially important edible marine fish collected from coastal landing centres, viz., Ravindranath Tagore Beach and Majali. Parasitic infestations are the primary cause of infection or infestation on host; it leads to badly affect fish growth and its normal functions of the body, often consequential in significant profitable losses due to less market value. Two main landing centres such as Ravindranath Tagore and Majali were selected to assess the prevalence, intensity of the parasites in important marine food fishes. A total of 1,006 fish samples were examined and 868 were found infected with 593 parasites, indicative of five major groups such as Isopods (290), Dactylogyrus spp. (176), Caligus spp. (45), Nematodes (70), and other helminth parasites (12). Among 868 infected fish, the maximum parasite loads were noted in Rastrelliger kanagurta, Mugil cephalus, and Terapon jarbua. Most copepods family belongs to the Caligidae, while isopods were from Cymothoidae. Isopods and Dactylogyrus spp. were common across species, whereas Caligus spp. and helminth developmental stages were mainly found in Mugil cephalus, and nematodes were exclusive to Tylosurus crocodilus. It's been observed that the parasites mainly settled in gill lamellae, operculum, surfaces of the body, fins, and gut, attaching via hook or needle-like appendages. Histopathological investigation revealed epithelial hyperplasia, excessive mucus secretion, lamellar fusion, and necrosis, it may leading to less oxygen uptake and systemic stress. The major findings highlight the significant prevalence, intensity, and pathological impacts of parasites on the host. This needs the continuous monitoring and for the effective management strategies to avoid secondary infections by the bacteria, virus and fungus in marine food fisheries.

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