Parasites of Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus from the coast of Namibia

84 specimens of the sea hake Merluccius capensis and 60 of M. paradoxus were investigated parasitologically along the coast of Namibia in 1988. Between both fish species there was a high coincidence. 18 species of parasites could be stated. Distinction is remarkable between the north and south parts of the investigation area with a boundary at about 25 degrees 30' south. Southern to this border line of probably different fish stocks Brachiella merluccii is absent and the prevalence of Scolex pleuronectis and Leptotheca spec. is significantly higher. In M. capensis parasitation by Leptotheca spec., Anthocotyle merluccii and Anisakis spec. 1. is increasing with higher age groups. In M. paradoxus parasitation by Leptotheca spec. and Anthocotyle merluccii is decreasing with higher age groups and that of Clestobothrium crassiceps remains the same level.