Parasites of Alien Fishes Sphyraena flavicauda and Sphyraena chrysotaenia in the Western Coast of Libya

Parasite Fauna in Non-Indigenous Barracudas: Insights from Libya’s Western Coast

The Mediterranean marine ecosystem is undergoing rapid changes due to human-mediated species introductions. This study examines parasite fauna in two non-indigenous barracuda species (Sphyraena flavicauda and Sphyraena chrysotaenia) along the western coast of Libya.

Key findings include:

46 individuals of S. flavicauda and 10 individuals of S. chrysotaenia were analyzed.
Seven parasite species were identified across both fish species.
The infection rate in S. flavicauda was 46%, while S. chrysotaenia had a 32% infection rate.
Diplectanum cazauxi showed the highest prevalence (95.7%) in S. flavicauda, while Halacarus sp. was the most common in S. chrysotaenia (70%).
The NIS monogeneans Diplectanum cazauxi and Diplectanum dunanchae were found in these fish species, indicating parasite transfer from the Red Sea into the Libyan marine ecosystem.

Key Findings :

Alien fish species are acting as hosts for both native and introduced parasite species.
Potential ecosystem impact as non-indigenous species introduce new parasites to local fish populations.
Further research needed to understand the long-term effects of parasite transmission on native fish species.

Research Type :

Field Study & Parasitology Assessment

Keywords :

Marine parasites, Sphyraena flavicauda, Sphyraena chrysotaenia, non-indigenous species, Mediterranean biodiversity, Libya

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Publication Details

Published Date: September 19, 2022
Publisher: Mediterranean Symposia on Marine Vegetation, Coralligenous, Dark Habitats, and Non-Indigenous Species
DOI: https://symposia.spa-rac.org

Authors

Aisha A. Seif Al-Naser

(University of Tripoli)
Sarah A. Benzeglam

(University of Tripoli)
Mohamed L. Showehdi

(Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli)
Esmail A. Shakman

(University of Tripoli)