海洋学および海洋研究ジャーナル
オープンアクセス

概要

Trypanorhynch Cestodes Infecting Mediterranean Sea Fishes, Egypt: Callitetrarhynchus gracilis Larvae (Pintner, 1931) as a Bio-indicator of Heavy Metals Pollution

Nisreen E Mahmoud, Mohamed K Alhindy and M M Fahmy

A total of 150 fish samples belonging to three families were collected from Mediterranean sea, Egypt and examined for Trypanorhynch Cestode larvae infection from September 2011 till February 2012. Sixty three (42%) of the investigated fish were parasitized with different larval species belonging to Lacistorhynchidae and Tentaculariidae. All Trypanorhynch species larvae were isolated from muscles and abdominal cavities. Results revealed that, 46%; 44% and 36% of the examined fish species Epinephelus gigas; Sciaena umbra and Scomber spp. were infected respectively and were considered as new hosts for the detected parasites. Callitetrarhynchus gracilis larvae (Pintner, 1931) showed the highest prevalence (30%) and maximum intensity (37). The collected C. gracilis larvae and its host muscles (Epinephelus gigas) were analyzed for some heavy metals ( Cu, Pb, and Cd) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, the results indicated a significance higher concentration of the heavy metals in the parasite tissues compared with its fish host muscles. The present study has concluded for the 1st time that; the Trypanorhynch C. gracilis larvae could be used as bio-indicator of heavy metals pollution and add further evidence to the usefulness of parasites in monitoring environmental impacts.