Incidence of an intense Caligus minimus Otto 1821, C-pageti Russel, 1925, C-mugilis Brian, 1935 and C-apodus Brian, 1924 infection in lagoon cultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) in Greece

Abstract

An unusual case reported for the first time. of enhanced pathology, of two Caligidae species infecting a new host Dicentrarchus labrax reared in Eratino lagoon (North Greece). During winter months (December-February 1998-1999), moribund fish were observed in the lagoon: fish showed slow swimming at the surface of the water, were lethargic and cacchectic. Infected fish had either pinpoint or dispersed ulcerative skin lesions on the head and around and inside the buccal area as well as hemorrhages. Four Caligidae species were found namely: Caligus minimus, C. pageti. C mugilis and C. apodus as well as one gill trematode parasite. The prevalence and intensity of C minimus was high throughout the year with a distinct peak of intensity in winter. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.