The first data on parasite community of the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus (Actinopterygii: Scorpaenidae), from the North‐Western Black Sea

Abstract

The black scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) is a marine demersal fish species, whose density increased in the North-Western Black Sea, started to be common in recent years. We present the first data on the parasite community of this fish from two localities in Ukraine: the Gulf of Odessa and the Snake Island. The total of 7 parasite species were registered including two cestode, one acanthocephalan, and four nematode species. We found that the fish populations in the Gulf of Odessa and the Snake Island are different, having no similarities in parasitisation. Three species were found in the Gulf of Odessa, while four—near the Snake Island. The relation between the fish age and the parasite acquisition is studied for the first time for the black scorpionfish. The fish was presented by 2–6 years old individuals, and differed between the localities. Most of the parasites are represented by adults because the fish has predatory behavior, feeding mainly with small-sized fish and large crustaceans. The carnivorous life-style results in the presence of manly adult parasites located in gut and acquired during growth.