Presence of Milocra Frontalis H. Milne Edwards, 1840 (Isopoda, Flabellifera) On the Southern Atlantic Coast of the Iberian Peninsula: Spectrum of Parasitism and Parasitic Relationship With Gobius Paganellus Linnaeus, 1758 (Pisces, Gobiidae)

Abstract

Abstract Analysis of the occurrence of Anilocra frontalis H. Milne Edwards, 1840, on intertidal fish of the Spanish-Atlantic coast over four years has broadened the known spectrum of parasitism to seven species. The abundance of the goby Gobius paganellus Linnaeus, 1758 and its high index of parasitation by Aniloera frontalis, has permitted a more detailed analysis of the parasite-host relationship. In more than 90% of the cases the parasites are situated between or immediately behind the eyes. There is a positive correlation between length of parasite and length of host, and a slightly higher percentage of parasitism in the males and in the smaller specimens of Gobius paganellus. Finally, there are great variations in the percentage of infcction of Gobius paganellus at neighbouring points of the coast.