Monogenean Fish Parasites, Their Host Preferences and Seasonal Distributions in the Lower Kizihrmak Delta (Turkey)

This comprehensive research study was conducted to determine the monogenean fauna of 16 fish species belonging to Cyprinidae, Mugilidae, Gobiidae, Percidae, Cyprinodontidae, Gasterosteidae, Cobitidae, Atherinidae, Poecilidae and Sygnidae in Lower Kizilirmak Delta located by the coasts of the Black Sea in the northern part of Turkey. A total of 1049 fish specimens were collected during the period between December 2010 and November 2011. Gyrodactylus proterorhini, G. cyprini, G. arcuatus, Dactylogyrus extensus, D. chalcalburni, D. difformis, Ancyrocephalus paradoxus, Ligophorus mediterraneus, L. cephali, Solostamenides mugilis and Paradiplozoan homoion were identified to the specific level while one Gyrodactylus and one Salsuginus species were identified only to the generic level. Some monogeneans were found to be specific to some host families, especially Ligophorus for Mugilidae and Dactylogyrus for Cyprinidae. Prevalence (%) and intensity indices were determined and discussed for each monogenean species and/or genus on respective hosts. All the monogenean species were recorded for the first time in the Lower Kizilirmak Delta. Gyrodactylus cyprini and Ancyrocephalus paradoxus represented new parasite records for Turkey.