A Survey on the Prevalence and Histopathological Findings of Lernaea spp. in Schizocypris altidorsalis Fish From Chahnimeh Lakes and Hamoun Wetland in Southeast Iran

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and pathology of Lernaeid parasites in Schizocypris altidorsalis (Anjak Fish) fish from Chahnimeh lakes and Hamoun wetland in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran. A total of 1000 S. altidorsalis fish were collected from October 2014 to September 2015. The prevalence of Lernaea spp. infestation in examined fish was found to be 61.1% (611/1000). Among the examined weight groups, the highest infestation rate (61.7%) was recorded in the weight group of 80-100g, followed by 60.5% and 58.7% in 100-150g and 150-200g weight groups, respectively (P>0.05). The frequency of Lernaea spp. in winter (75.2%) was higher than other seasons and the lowest prevalence was observed in summer (38%). The association between the season and the prevalence of Lernaea spp. infestation was statistically significant (P