Abu-Samak, O.A. (2003). Distribution, mode of attachment and pathology associated with the copepod parasite Sciaenophilus pharaonis infesting the meagre drumfish, Argyrosomus regius in Eqypt. Journal of the Egyptian German Society of Zoology. 42(D):63-78.

73012

Abu-Samak, O.A.

2003

42(D):63-78.

Publication

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Both sexes of the copepod parasite, Sciaenophilus pharaonis were found infesting the meagre drumfish, Argyrosomus regius. All infested fishes carried the adult parasites on their inner surface of the operculum in a moderate prevalence and intensity of infection (44% and 2.54 parasites / infested fish respectively). Histological and ultrastructural examinations of the infested operculum showed that the parasite attaches by its cephalothorax and its appendages have a terminal hook structure (maxillipeds and second antennae). The latter appendages act as the primary and secondary attachment appendages respectively. This copepod parasite was associated with visible papillomatous outgrowth in which its maxillipeds were embedded. Such outgrowth is characterized by marked epidermal and dermal hyperplasia. This hyperplasia extends down to the underlying bone and muscle layers with proliferation in mucous cells, lymphocytic infiltration and fibrosis. Moreover, tissue erosion could be detected at the level of scanning electron microscopy. It is suggested that this hyperplasia may be due to prolonged attachment of the parasite to the opercular tissue. It can be concluded that severe infection, if happened in cultured fish, may produce a disturbance in the rhythmic mobility of the mouth and operculum and finally may lead to death.

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