Helminth Parasites of Red Lionfish, Pterois volitans from the Veracruz Coral Reef System, Mexico, Southern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

A helminthological survey was conducted on 78 red lionfish, Pterois volitans, collected in the Veracruz Reef System National Park (VRSNP). Register: trematodes (5 spp.), cestodes (1), and nematodes (2). Prevalence per species < 30% and mean intensity < 6.0. Three new host records are reported herein. The red lionfish is infected by species of endoparasites generalist and played a role as accidental host.