Helminth Parasites of Lane Snapper, Lutjanus synagris from Santiaguillo Reef, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

In 51 specimens of lane snapper, Lutjanus synagris, captured in Santiaguillo Reef, Veracruz Reef National Park System, State of Veracruz, in the Southern Gulf of Mexico, a total of 25 helminth species were recovered, as follows: 9 digeneans (8 adults, and 1 metacercaria), 7 monogeneans, 6 nematodes (4 adults, and 2 larvae), 2 cestodes (both larvae), and 1 acanthocephalan (juvenile). Out of the 25 species, 11 are new host records; 2 have prevalence > 50%, and mean intensity > 4.7; Haliotrematoides cornigerum (monogenean) had the highest prevalence, 94.11%, followed by Euryhaliotrema tubocirrus with prevalence of 66.67%. Richness ( S = 25) and diversity (Shannon index H’ = 2.13) at component community, and endoparasites infracommunity level ( S = 6.27 ± 2.5, Brillouin index H = 1.07 ± 0.42), and ectoparasites infracommunity level ( S = 3.6875 ± 1.87, Brillouin index H = 0.74 ± 0.4), were similar to those found in other marine fish. Results suggests that the host feeding habits determine the endoparasites composition, while the ectoparasites composition is associated to the environmental conditions.