An influence of the parasite Clavella adunca (Strøm, 1762) (Copepoda Parasitica: Lernaeopodidae) on the cod (Gadus morhua L.) from North-west Atlantic waters

Abstract

Between 1970-74 studies were conducted on the prevalence of the Clavella adunca parasite on the cod (Gadus morhua L.) from Northwest Atlantic (Labrador and Newfoundland fishing grounds). The growth rate and condition of 4,454 cod specimens was studied. The length-weight relationship, condition, and growth parameters of infested and noninfested fish were calculated. The calculations have shown that young fish infested by Clavella adunca parasite had higher average weight and condition than noninfested ones of the same length. On the other hand, older infested fishes (above 6 years of life) had average weight and condition lower than noninfested specimens