Parasites of Antarctic fishes: Monogenea, Copepoda and Acanthocephala

Abstract

The body surface, mouth, gills, internal organs and tissues of 368 teleost fish of 26 species from Prydz Bay, Heard Island, Macquarie Island, Davis Station and Casey Station in Antarctica were examined for parasites. At least eight species of Monogenea, seven species of Copepoda, and five or six species of Acanthocephala were recorded. Overall, the fauna of Monogenea and Copepoda of Antarctic fish is much poorer than that of lower latitudes, and there are fewer species of Gyrodactylidae relative to other Monogenea than at higher northern latitudes. Abundance and species richness of Acanthocephala are relatively high.

Extra keyword: species diversity.