Crustacean fish parasites from Segara Anakan Lagoon, Java, Indonesia

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Aquatic Parasitology
• Fisheries Science

Background:

• Segara Anakan lagoon is a vital brackish water ecosystem supporting commercially important fish species.
• Ectoparasites can significantly impact fish health, aquaculture productivity, and ecosystem dynamics.
• Limited research exists on the ectoparasite fauna of fish in Indonesian brackish water environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first investigation of crustacean ectoparasites on commercially important fish from Segara Anakan lagoon.
• To identify parasite species, determine prevalence and intensity of infestations.
• To analyze the origin and transmission pathways of the recorded ectoparasites.

Main Methods:

• Eight economically important marine fish species were collected from Segara Anakan lagoon.
• Fish were examined for the presence of crustacean ectoparasites (copepods and isopods).
• Prevalence and intensity data were recorded for each identified parasite species.

Main Results:

• A diverse ectoparasite fauna was identified, including 23 copepod species and 2 isopod species.
• All examined fish species, except Lutjanus johnii, Scatophagus argus, and Mugil cephalus, were infested with at least two copepod species.
• Ergasilus sp. 3 and Caligus acanthopagri on Scatophagus argus exhibited the highest prevalence (78.6%) and intensity.

Conclusions:

• The parasite fauna comprises marine, brackish water, and potentially freshwater components.
• The brackish water environment does not prevent the introduction of pathogenic marine or freshwater parasites.
• Parasitic copepods represent a potential threat to the health of fish in Segara Anakan lagoon, particularly if finfish mariculture is developed.