Host-parasite relationships: occurrence and effect of the parasitic isopod Mothocya epimerica on sand smelt Atherina boyeri in the Mesolongi and Etolikon Lagoons (W. Greece)

[摘要] ABSTRACT: The parasite-host relationship between Mothocya epimerica, Costa 1851 (Isopoda: Flabellifera: Cymothoidae) and sand smelt Atherina boyeri (Osteichthyes: Atherinidae) fish populations were studied in the Mesolongi and EtolikonLagoons (W. Greece). Prevalence varied during the year from 12.5% in November to 52.5% in September; overall mean prevalence was 41.9%. Parasite size increased with host size. Infections did not have a significant effect on the host¹s body condition, suchas length-weight relationship, gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index and relative condition factor. Histological damage to the host was observed on the gills (especially in the second and third and arches upon which the female parasite rests herabdomen). The physiological cost resulting from this infection seems to be little and probably does not constitute a serious threat for individual host survival.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）

[关键词] Mothocya epimerica;Isopoda;Cymothoidae;Atherina boyeri;Atherinidae;Parasite;Host-parasite relationships