Philometra chilensis (Nematoda, Philometridae) affects the fecundity of the red cusk-eel, Genypterus chilensis (Guichenot) (Pisces, Ophidiidae) in Chile

Abstract

The occurrence of the dracunculoid nematode Philometra chilensis Moravec, Chávez et Oliva, 2011 (Philometridae) infecting the ovary of the red cusk-eel, Genypterus chilensis (Guichenot), off the Pacific coast of northern Chile is reported. A sample of 266 fish specimens (total body length 34-96 cm) revealed the nematode overall prevalence (April 2007) of this parasite to be 18. 5% and the mean intensity of infection 17. 9 (SD = 30. 8). All infected fish were mature females. The present results suggest that infection by the nematode shows seasonality and coincides with specific reproductive stages of the red cusk-eel, a partial spawner, and as a result the infection can affect the reproductive success of the host. © 2011 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Wien.