An investigation on fish infection with Diplostomum spathaceum in Amirkalayeh Wetland

Abstract

Infection Diplostomum spathaceum parasite is studied in 660 fish specimens from Amirkalayeh wetland of Guilan Province. We collected samples of fish belonging to Esox lucius (78 pieces), Perca fluviatilis (163 pieces). Tinca tinca (105 pieces), Silurus glanis (64 pieces). Carassius auratus 64 pieces. Blicca bjoerkna (95 pieces) and Rutilus rutilus (91 pieces) since spring to winter 2001 We found the highest infection rate in Rutilus rutilus (63.33%) while the lowest was seen in Silurus glanis (3.13%). The highest and lowest average infection severity were detected in Rutilus rutilus (13.49±10.82), and Tinca tinca (l respectively. The highest parasite abundance was related to Rutilus rutilus (7.04±0.93), and the lowest abundance was observed in Tinca tinca (0.06±0.27). Parasite count range was most in Rutilus rutilus (1-49), and least in Tinca tinca (1-2). Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in species, age, sex and season as related to the infection with the parasite.