Helminth Parasites of Lane Snapper, Lutjanus synagris from Santiaguillo Reef, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

<p>In 51 specimens of lane snapper, <em>Lutjanus synagris</em>, captured in Santiaguillo Reef, Veracruz Reef National Park System, State of Veracruz, in the Southern Gulf of Mexico, a total of 25 helminth species were recovered, as follows: 9 digeneans (8 adults, and 1 metacercaria), 7 monogeneans, 6 nematodes (4 adults, and 2 larvae), 2 cestodes (both larvae), and 1 acanthocephalan (juvenile). Out of the 25 species, 11 are new host records; 2 have prevalence &gt; 50%, and mean intensity &gt; 4.7; <em>Haliotrematoides cornigerum</em> (monogenean) had the highest prevalence, 94.11%, followed by <em>Euryhaliotrema tubocirrus </em>with prevalence of 66.67%. Richness (<em>S</em> = 25) and diversity (Shannon index <em>H’</em> = 2.13) at component community, and endoparasites infracommunity level (<em>S</em> = 6.27 ± 2.5, Brillouin index<em> H</em> = 1.07 ± 0.42), and ectoparasites infracommunity level (<em>S</em> = 3.6875 ± 1.87, Brillouin index <em>H</em> = 0.74 ± 0.4), were similar to those found in other marine fish. Results suggests that the host feeding habits determine the endoparasites composition, while the ectoparasites composition is associated to the environmental conditions.</p>