Parasite Fauna of Fish in Büyükçekmece Dam Lake

Abstract

Büyükçekmece Dam Lake, located in the Marmara Region, is the third largest water resource of the six main reservoirs of Istanbul. It is used as a safe drinking water source. In this study, the parasitic fauna of the freshwater fish species in Büyükçekmece Dam Lake was investigated during the period of September 2012-May 2013. Gill nets were used for the collection of fish specimens from the lake. The fish specimens were transported to the laboratory in fiberglass tanks and they were kept alive until parasitological examination. During the dissection, the body cavity, all internal organs, the gills, the eyes, the skin, and the fins were examined. A total of 273 fish specimens belonging to nine fish species were examined and 11 parasite species were found in infested individuals. Ancylodiscoides vistulensis, Tetraonchus monenteron, Paradiplozoon homoion, Caryophyllaeus laticeps, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, Raphidascaris acus and Eustrongylides excisus were identified to the species level. Trichodina spp., Dactylogyrus spp., Ergasilus spp. and Glochidia larvae were identified the genus level in infested individuals. Monogenea was determined as the most common parasite group. Eustrongylides excisus was also observed as the most prevalent parasite in as different fish species.