Seasonal variation of ectoparasites infestation levels in the comber, Serranus cabrilla (Serranidae) from Northern and Eastern Tunisian coasts (South Mediterranean)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate ectoparasites communities of S. cabrilla in Northern and Eastern Tunisian waters (Bay of Bizerte and Gulf of Hammamet), and to compare infestation parameters depending on seasons and localities variations.

Four different metazoan ectoparasite species were identified: two copepods (Lernaeolophus sultanus and Anchistrotos laqueus), one isopod (Gnathia sp.), and one annelid hirudinean species (Pontobdella muricata). In the present study, the comber is reported for the first time as a suitable host for the latter parasite. P. muricata, Gnathia sp., and A. laqueus were prevalent mainly during summer. Gnathia sp. is the most prevalent parasite species reaching 86.7% in the Gulf of Hammamet during summer season.

Fish from the Gulf of Hammamet showed higher infection levels of almost all the ectoparasites. The variation in infestation parameters of parasites is influenced by biotic and abiotic drivers of the hosts habitat as well as seasonal changes.