Variations of the Infection of the Mugilid Fish Liza abu (Heckel, 1843) with the Acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus iraqensis Amin, Al-Sady, Mhaisen et Bassat, 2001
During the period from October 2002 till September 2003, a total of 296 specimens of the mugilid fish Liza abu were collected from different fish markets at Baghdad city. The inspection of these fishes revealed the presence of the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus iraqensis in their intestine. The overall percentage incidence of infection was 37.2% and the mean intensity of infection was 2.1. The infection of male and female fishes showed no significant differences. Generally, the percentage incidence of infection was high during spring and first two months of summer, while lower values were recorded during autumn. The mean intensity was generally high during winter and spring and low during summer and autumn. Significant differences in the percentage incidence were noticed in different fish length groups. The percentage incidence gradually increased with the increase in fish length, reached its highest value in length group 140-149 mm, and then it decreased until it reached its lowest value in the largest length group of 170 mm and more. No significant differences were noted in the mean intensity of infection of different fish length groups. Generally, the intensity was higher in smaller fishes and lower in larger fishes.
Liza abu, Neoechinorhynchus iraqensis, Incidence of Infection, Intensity of Infection, Fish Length and Sex, Monthly Variations
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