Helminth parasites of pike (Esox lucius l), in Golbasi (Bursa) Dam Lake, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, helminth parasites of pike of Golbasi Dam Lake and their seasonal variation has been investigated monthly from May 2003 to April 2004. Out of a total of 114 pikes 93 were found infected with Tetraonchus monenteron (Monogenea), Diplostomum spathaceum metacercariae (Digenea) and Raphidiscaris acus (Nematoda). T monenteron was the most common parasite species found in the infected pike collected in all months. This species was found in 69 of 114 fish examined. Total prevalence and mean intensity were 60.5, 77.8%, respectively. The infection varied according to the seasons and reached its maximum in May (100%). The second dominant parasite, D. spathaceum metacercariae also occurred throughout the study period. A total of 523 parasites were found and the infection rate was the highest in September and October (100%). Total prevalence and mean intensity were 63.1, 7.2%, respectively. R. acus was found in 18 of the 114 examined fish. A total of 49 parasites was recorded. The total prevalence and mean intensity were 15.7 and 2.7%, respectively. The infection levels peaked in February (42.8%). Occurrence and seasonal variations of the helminth parasite species are discussed in detail.