Invasion of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) with the grass carp [Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes, 1844)] and common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), has been documented on Asia, Europe and some parts of North America. It is known that it parazites more than one hundred fishes, principally Cyprinides. One of the major negative effects of fish introductions in Turkey is the wide spread distribution of B. acheilognathi. It is a highly pathogenic cestode that infects a range of fish species in Turkey. It has spread widely because of movements of grass carp and other fish species. This study presents the current geographical distribution and host range of B. acheilognathi in inland waters of Turkey.