ABSTRACT

In this study, the presence of Ligula intestinalis plerocercoid in some fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Carassius gibelio, Barbus plebejus, Capoeta tinca, Chondrostoma nasus, Leuciscus cephalus, Alburnus escherichii) from the Kunduzlar Dam, Turkey was investigated between August 2008 and May 2009. By the end of the study, Ligula intestinalis plerocercoid haqs been identified in the body cavity of 3 host fishes [Chondrostoma nasus (1.1%, 5.0±0), Leuciscus cephalus (12.1%, 1.5±0,6), and Alburnus escherichii (71.5%, 3.0±2.1)]. This is the first time that C. nasus, one of these fish species, has been shown to be a host of L. intestinalis plerocercoids in Asia Minor. In addition, minimum-maximum and mean intensity of parasites and infection prevalence were determined using seasonal, sex and size distribution of the host fish species.

Keywords: Alburnus, Chondrostoma, helminth, Kunduzlar, Leuciscus, Ligula