A new record of parasitic isopod for the Indian fauna (Mothocya karobran Bruce, 1986) from Strongylura strongylura in the Pazhayar region, Southeast coast of India.

Abstract

Cymothoid isopods are permanent ectoparasites of fish. In the present study Strongylura strongylura captured in gillnets from the inshore waters of Pazhayar from January to March-12. Among the 122 Belonidae fishes examined, 16 specimens were parasitized by isopods belonging to the species Mothocya karobran, a new record of this cymothoid isopod for the first time from India. Lowest prevalence occurred in January (10.5%) and the highest in February (15.9%). The infected fishes usually carried one cymothoid per branchial cavity. 12 parasites were found in the left branchial cavity and 4 parasites in the right. The non ovigerous female (18.5-24.7mm) and female ovigerous (20.8-27.4mm) in total length.