ABSTRACT
The present study provides important insights into the existence and frequency of the Neoechinorhynchus sp. in the marine fish species Saurida undosquamis in Libya. A total of 192 specimens of Saurida undosquamis from the local market of Misurata city in Libya were collected. This extensive collection made possible a thorough investigation of the parasite's presence in this particular fish species. According to the present study, the prevalence rate of acanthocephalan helminths in Saurida undosquamis was found to be low. Out of the 192 fish specimens that were examined, only one specimen was found to be infected with Neoechinorhynchus sp. with an infection rate of 0.52%. The infected fish had an average parasite density of 4, indicating that there were four individual parasites in the fish. These parasites were found in both the anterior and posterior intestines of the infected fish. The seasonal study also revealed that the infections occurred during the winter season. This study may mark the first instance of the presence of Neoechinorhynchus sp. in Saurida undosquamis found in the coastal Mediterranean Sea waters of Misurata, Libya. The identification of a previously unknown parasite species in a new host and location significantly enhances our understanding of parasite diversity in the region. The low infection rates observed in Saurida undosquamis suggest that this fish species may not be a suitable host for the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus sp. Understanding host-parasite interactions and the factors affecting infection rates is essential for comprehending the ecology and dynamics of the parasite. By documenting the presence and characteristics of the Neoechinorhynchus sp. parasite in Saurida undosquamis, the present study fills a gap in the available scientific literature.
AUTHOR AFFILIATIONS
1 Department of Zoology, College of Science, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
2 Department of Zoology, College of Science, Aljufra University, Aljufra, Libya
3 Department of Biology, Science School, Libyan Academic in Misurata, Libya
CITATION
Emshiheet KA, Elmajdoub LO, Ali KSM, Abushiba FM, Elzwawy SE, Abusahal MM and Aagme RS (2024) Occurrence of Neoechinorhynchus sp. in Infected Organs of Lizardfish (Saurida undosquamis) in Misurata, Libya. Environ Sci Arch 3(1): 67-71.
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