First Report of Spinitectus carolini Infection in Bullet Tuna (Auxis rochei) in Syrian Waters
Fatema Ahmed Alshabib
*
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.
Mohamad Y. Galiya
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.
Taghrid Layka
Higher Institute for Marine Research, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Fish parasitology is a leading field in aquatic biology. It is of great importance in uncovering the effects of pollution on fish health and is receiving increasing attention in marine biology. The current research aimed to investigate the infection with internal and external parasites in the bullet tuna fish, Auxis rochei. Fish samples were collected from different fishing sites on the shore of Lattakia (Ras Al-Basit), during the period extending from September 15\9\2024, to February 24\2\2025. The total number of caught individuals was 12. The length, weight were determined, and then external and internal examinations were conducted for all caught individuals. The internal organs were examined to detect infection with internal parasites.
During current research, the species Spinitectus carolini, Holl, 1928, was the first record from the fish Auxis rochei in the marine water of Lattakia Governorate, Syria. The parasitic species Spinitectus carolini, belonging to the Class Nematoda, was isolated from the digestive system, specifically in the Stomach.
During current research, this parasitic species was isolated for the first time from the fish Auxis rochei in Syrian marine waters.
Keywords: Auxis rochei, Spinitectus carolini, nematode, marine water, Lattakia, Syria