An Investigation on Argulus foliaceus (Crustacea) Infestation of Fishes in the Kunduzlar Dam Lake

Abstract

In this study, crustacean parasite species, Argulus foliaceus was investigated on the seven fish species (Alburnus escherichii, Barbus plebejus, Capoeta tinca, Carassius gibelio, Chondrostoma nasus, Cyprinus carpio, Squalius cephalus) from the Kunduzlar Dam Lake in Kırka-Eskişehir, Türkiye. The parasite was found on the gills, fins, and skin of all of the host fish species except Chondrostoma nasus. Its prevalence and mean intensity of the parasitic infection value for the infected six fish species are as follows: 3 out of 38 Alburnus escherichii (prevalence 7.9%, mean intensity 4.3±3.1), 9 out of 16 Barbus plebejus (56.2%, 47.9±28.5), 12 out of 47 Capoeta tinca (25.5%, 27.5±18.9), 7 out of 17 Carassius gibelio (41.1%, 6.9±5.3), 4 out of 4 Cyprinus carpio (100%, 4.3±4.2) and 6 out of 14 Squalius cephalus (42.8%, 2.3±1.8). Argulus foliaceus was recorded for A. escherichii among the six host fish species for the first time within the study area from Türkiye. Thus, a new host fish species and a new locality have been added to the geographical infestation zone of the A. foliaceus species from Türkiye, which is located in the southeast region of Eurasia. Parasitological findings were evaluated concerning seasonal, age, and gender groups of the host fishes. In conclusion, A. foliaceus infestation was observed higher in summer due to the increased in water temperature, which is significantly different from winter, spring, and autumn. The infestation of A. foliaceus was more common in larger fish than in smaller fish. Moreover, the similar rates of infestation were recorded between the male and female fish.