Occurrence and intensity of parasites in Chelon aurata (Risso, 1810) and Neogobius caspius (Eichwald, 1831) (Teleostei: Perciformes) from southern Caspian Sea

This study was performed to investigate ecto-and endo-parasites of golden grey mullet, Chelon aurata (Risso, 1810) (N=331) and Caspian goby, Neogobius caspius (Eichwald, 1831) (N=170) from the southern Caspian Sea. The sampling was carried out for one year in three stations, including Chamkhaleh (St1), Kiashahr (St2) and Anzali (St3) coastal areas, Guilan Province, Iran. Biometric characteristics were recorded, sexes were determined and specimens examined for ecto- and endoparasites. A total of 158 specimens (58.31%) out of 331 grey mullets, and 61 (35.88%) out of 170 Caspian gobies, were found to be infected. 1453 parasites belonging to 5 species were found consisting of Trichodina reticulata, unknown protozoan, nematode larvae (in golden grey mullet) and a cestode, Eustrongylides excisus larvae (in Caspian goby). The occurrence of unknown protozoan and nematode larvae in C. aurata and cestode larvae in N. caspius are reported for the first time in Iran. Seasonal variations, the effects of host length, weight and localities on parasite prevalence and mean intensity have been examined during present investigation.