Metazoan parasites of some commercially important fish along the Kenyan coast

Abstract

The parasitic fauna of some commercial fish species along the Kenyan coast was
\ninvestigated at four localities between August 2001 and March 2002. The study was carried out
\nto establish the extent of parasitisation of different fish species and quantify the relationship
\nbetween the parasites and their fish hosts. Fish samples were collected once a month from four
\nlanding beaches. Sixteen fish species were examined out of which only eight were infested
\nwith ecto-and endo parasites. The infested fish species included: the rabbitfish (Siganus sutor),
\nthe mackerels (Selar crumenophthalmus, Scomberomorus commerson and Rastrelliger
\nkanarguta), parrot fish (Leptoscarus vagiensis), sardine (Sardinella gibbosa), tuna (Thunnus
\nsp.) and needle fish (Hemiramphus far). Of the eight species, Si. sutor was most infested with
\nparasites while Sardinella and Leptoscarus were primarily infested with ectoparasites (isopods).
\nIntensity of infestation increased with age (size), especially in Si. sutor, where very young fish
\nhad a low infestation rate, while adults were heavily infested (P < 0.01). No significant differences
\nwere observed in the intensity of infestation between sexes in Si. sutor (P > 0.05).