Abstract:
Twenty four ecto- and endo- parasite species were found in different organs of eight native
and exotic fish species in Zarivar Lake situated in the far west of Iran. Overall, 1000
fish specimens belonging to the Dactylogyridae, Gyrodactylidae families the Cyprinidae,
Poeciliidae and Mastacembelidae families were examined during 2001 and 2002. Of them,
five Protozoans, including Trichodina pediculus, Trichodina sp and Myxobolus molnari, a
pansporogenic stage of the Myxosporean plasmodia and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis were
recorded. Of the Metazoan parasites, 12 monogenean species, mostly belonging to the
Dactylogyridae, Gyrodactylidae families and the Ancyrocephalinae subfamily, were found
and identified at species and genus level. The number of helminthes reached 15 by adding
one Digenea metacercaria (Diplostomum spathaceum) and 2 coelozoic Cestoda species.
Crustacean species found on both of native and exotic fishes, belonging to Copepoda and
Branchiora orders comprised of Argulus foliaceus and Lernaea cyprinacea, in addition an
unknown Argulus was also found on skin and gills of spiny eel which identified to genus
level. The only nematode found in the intestine of common carp was identified as Pseudocapillaria
tomentosa. Besides the first record of parasites of spiny eel, the seasonal prevalence
of ligulosis is presented. Additionally, zoogeographical analysis and species composition
of parasitic fauna of Zarivar Lake are discussed.
