Study seasonal variation of infected fish Boops boops (Sparidae) with three Types of external Parasites in marine waters of Latakian coast

Abstract

The current study focused on studying the infection of Boops boops fish in the coastal marine waters of Latakia Governorate with three types of external parasites and the changes that occur in this infestation throughout the year. The research was conducted during the period from 12/1/2024 to 12/12/2024. A total of 140 fish were collected, and morphometric measurements (total length, standard length) were taken. The fish were examined for parasites, including the external body surface, fins, oral cavity, nostrils, eyes and gills. Parasites were isolated and classified based on the approved taxonomic keys.  The Examination results showed the presence of three types of parasites on the gills of B. boops fish. Microcotyle erythrini, Choricotyle sp. and  Gnathia sp.

The examination of the seasonal samples clearly showed that the infection of the fish with the parasites M. erythrini peaked during the summer, recording 57.1%, while the lowest infection rate was recorded in the winter at 5.71%. As for Choricotyle sp., the highest infection rate was also in the summer at 34.3%, and the lowest rate was recorded in the winter at 2.86%. As for the parasites Gnathia sp., the highest infection rate was recorded in the spring at 37.14%, and no infection was recorded in the winter and autumn.