Parasite infestation in Bluefin Trevally Caranx melampygus (G. Cuvier, 1833) in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

Abstract

Bluefin trevally (BFT, Caranx melampygus) were studied in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, for parasite infestations and prevalence at different body weights (300 - 500 g, 500 - 1500 g, and 1500 - 3000 g). Twenty-seven samples were collected for parasitic investigation. Out of this, nine fish with 300 - 500 g body weight, nine fish with 500 - 1500 g body weight, and nine fish with 1500-3000 g body weight were obtained from the fishermen at the wet market landing site. Results revealed that a total of 46 parasites were recorded in six BFT fish weighing 300 g to 500 g, 44 parasites were recorded in eight BFT fish weighing 500 g to 1500 g, and 101 parasites were recorded in eight BFT fish weighing 1500 g to 3000 g. Based on the ANOVA analysis, the prevalence, abundance, and intensity of parasite infestations in BFT species with different body weights were not significantly different (p>0.05). Moreover, it was found that four species of parasites (Argulus spp., Caligus spp., Cymothoa spp., and Pulchrascaris spp.) were present in the heart, intestines, mouth, and operculum of different body weights of BFT fish, of which the majority were found in the gills, mainly Caligus spp. parasite. Thus, the results of this study indicate no significant differences in parasite infestation of BFT, C. melampygus, between individual body weights and host locations in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.