Parasitic fauna of sprat (Sprattus sprattus phalericus RISSO, 1826) from the Turkish Black Sea coast

Abstract

      This study was performed to identify the parasites of sprat (Sprattus sprattus phalericus RISSO, 1826) collected from the Turkish Black Sea coast during September 1990 to January 1992. Ectoparasites were not found. The nematodes, Hysterothylacium aduncum and Cucullanus minutus were observed on the visceral organs of sprat.

      The prevalence of these parasites was related to sex and sizes of fish and season. H. adun­cum was more abundant in female fish, and the prevalence was higher in September than in December and January. Fishes were more infested in old ages than the young ones.