Occurrence of alimentary tract helminth parasites of pollock (Pollachius virens L.) on the Scotian Shelf

Abstract

Examination of the alimentary tracts of 456 pollock (Pollachius virens L.) revealed the presence of 15 helminth species or groups representing four phyla. Prevalence ranged from 76.6 in anisakid nematodes to negligible levels (<1.0) in some other species, with "ubiquitous" marine parasites Derogenes varicus, Hemiurus levinseni, anisakid nematodes, and Echinorhynchus gadi showing highest values. Changes in prevalence were related to a change from a largely crustacean diet to a largely fish diet with increasing fish length. Differences in prevalence of the more common parasites between the central and southwestern Scotian Shelf support evidence for separate pollock populations in the two areas.