Parasitic contaminationof Mudskipper (Boleophthalmus dussumieri) in coastal waters of Banddar- Abbas

The present study was conducted to investigate the ecology of the ectoparasites and gastrointestinal parasites of Mudskipper fish in coastal waters of Bandar- Abbas from late Dec 2011 to Jun 2012. 69 specimens of fish species (Boleophthalmus dussumieri) were collected and transported to the laboratory. The isolated parasites were fixed in 4% formalin and preserved in 70% ethanol. Three species of endoparasites (Quadrigyrus (Acanthogyrus) persicus (Acanthocephala), Termatoda, Trypanorhyncha (cestode)) and one species of protozoa (trichodina) were separated from intestine and gill of hosts, respectively.The results indicated that the highest average intensity and abundance of Quadrigyridae which was first isolated from Mudskipper, was observed in June, and the highest average intensity of Termatoda and Trypanorhyncha was observed in March and April. A positive correlation was obtained between the Q. persicus abundance and the host’s total length. At present study Quadrigyrus (Acanthogyrus) persicus was recorded as new species of parasite. Also, this study showed that some factors: such as seasonal variation and the total length of the host affect on the abundance and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites.