Anisakis (Nematoda) in some New Zealand inshore fish

Abstract

The prevalence, intensity, abundance, and density of Anisakis larval infection of four species of New Zealand fish and one species of squid were determined. In order of intensity of infection these were: barracouta (Thyristes atun), tarakihi (Nemadactylus macropterus), red cod (Pseudophycis bachus), red gurnard (Chelidonichthys kumu), and arrow squid (Nototodarus solanii). Some data on infections in monkfish (Kathetostoma giganteum) are also presented. There was no evidence of postmortem migration of larvae in red cod, red gurnard, or barracouta. The larvae did excapsulate postmortem and the excapsulation was less in fish kept on ice. The majority of larvae were associated with the visceral organs and membranes (98.5% or more of the total worm burden). However, a proportion of all fish species examined had small numbers of larvae in the fillets and these may pose a risk to human health.