Basic epidemiological data of anisakid nematode larvae ofgobiid fishes (Gobiidae, Actinopterygii) from northern AdriaticSea

The aim of the presented study was to report and compare infections caused by anisakid nematode larvae at six gobiid fishes (Actinopterygii: Gobiidae) in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea in the Kvarner region of Croatia, in the vicinity of Selce village and Krk Island. Host species were collected in two periods of 2014, May and October. Basic epidemiological data are reported for 365 specimens of the following six gobiid species from the two seasons: Buenia affinis, Gobius auratus, G. niger, G. roulei, G. vittatus and Pomatoschistus marmoratus. Studied material included a total of 341 anisakid nematode larvae (116 in spring and 225 in autumn season). 35 % of all examined fish were infected with anisakids. The intensity of infection varied from one to twelve larvae per fish. Larvae were found mainly within the body cavity, liver and intestine. After morphological examination, parasites were classified into six categories according to morphotypes: Anisakidae spp., Contracaecum sp., Hysterothylacium spp., Hysterothylacium sp. 1, Hysterothylacium sp. 2 and Hysterothylacium sp. 3. Quantitative information on the prevalence, abundance and intensity of infection of anisakid nematodes were counted. Differences in anisakid fauna among fish species in two seasons were detected, while significant difference was observed in Gobius roulei.