Pathological manifestations of the acanthocephalan parasite, Tenuiproboscis sp. in the mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) (Forsskål, 1775), a candidate species for aquaculture from Southern India

Abstract

The study describes the pathological manifestations of the acanthocephalan, Tenuiproboscis sp. in the mangrove red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, a highly valued food fish along the southwest coast of India. The fish collected from Calicut, Cochin and Kannur harboured the acanthocephalan parasite, Tenuiproboscis sp. with up to 100% prevalence. Heavy infections with the parasites were observed in the posterior region of the intestine, almost blocking the lumen. At the site of parasite attachment, the surface of the intestine appeared thickened and the mucosal epithelium showed compression and abrasion.