Ecological observations on the fish ectoparasite Mugilicola smithae (Crustacea: Copepoda)

W. Kruger, A. Avenant-Oldewage, D. P. Cyrus

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

During the period of January 1995 to February 1996, five surveys were carried out in Nhlabane Estuary in Kwazulu-Natal to determine prevalence, abundance and mean intensity of the fish ectoparasite Mugilicola smithae. The forklength and sex of the host fishes were also recorded, as well as physical water quality values. No preference to either male or female host fishes was found. Prevalence, mean intensity and abundance showed no correlation to the physical factors. Most infested hosts were between 200 and 300 mm. Lengths of the parasites collected showed no correlation to season, and most of the parasites were between 5 mm and 7 mm in length. It is therefore suggested that this ectoparasite produces eggs throughout the year, and that parasite intensity is not affected by the physical water quality.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)108-111
Number of pages4
JournalAfrican Journal of Wildlife Research
Volume27
Issue number3-4
Publication statusPublished - Sept 1997

Keywords

  • Crustacea
  • Ectoparasite
  • Estuary
  • Mugilicola smithae
  • Mullet

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology
  • Animal Science and Zoology

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