Ectoparasites of the southern mullet Liza Richardsonii in the Berg Estuary, South Africa

Van Praag, Alex

Ectoparasites of the southern mullet Liza Richardsonii in the Berg Estuary, South Africa

Master Thesis

2004

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Oceanography

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Abstract

The aims of this study were to observe changes in ectoparasite abundance and diversity on fish in relation to salinity gradients in the Berg Estuary. The host species studied was the commercially important, euryhaline southern mullet Liza richardsonii that is superabundant in estuaries of the Western Cape. A total of 210 fishes were sampled by using a single haul with a beach seine net at each of seven localities along a salinity gradient from the mouth to the upper reaches. Seven species of parasite were found. These included five species of Copepoda; a member of the family Caligidae, an Ergasilus species, a Dermoergasilus species, a Brachiella species and an unidentified caudal fin parasite. Two representatives of the Monogenea were found, one from the family Microcotylidae and another that was not identified.

Description

Includes bibliographical references.

Keywords

Applied Marine Science

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