Iranocichla hormuzensis (Coad 1982), a new paratenic host of Contracaecum sp. and Phocanema sp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae)

Abstract

Iranocichla hormuzensis (Coad, Copeia 1:28–37, 1982) is the only cichlid fish found in the Mehran River in south of Fars Province, Iran. During a study on the reproduction and feeding habits of this endemic fish, 702 fish were randomly examined for the presence of parasites. Third stage larvae of two anisakid nematodes were observed in the abdominal cavity of seven fish. Morphologically, the larvae belonged to the genera Contracaecum and Phocanema (Anisakidae). Since this is the first study indicating that I. hormuzensis acts as paratenic hosts for these nematodes, further studies are envisaged to investigate the involvement of these fish in relation to human transmission and the public health implications of these nematodes in this area as this fish is regularly consumed by local people.