A scanning electron microscopic study of Argulus coregoni Thorell, 1866 (Crustacea: Branchiura) parasitizing Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) from India.

Abstract

During the survey, some Argulus or fish lice were isolated from the skin of Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758). A comparison with previously described Argulus species was conducted and the specimen was identified as Argulus coregoni Thorell, 1866. Such infections can be a major threat to fish health. Mainly three species of Argulus infect Carassius auratus namely A. japonicus Thiele, 1899; A. foliaceus Linnaeus, 1758, and A. coregoni Thorell, 1866 which were originally reported from Europe. Although, the same three species were reported from India also. The present study aims to add knowledge to previous studies on the morphology of A. coregoni by scanning electron microscopic images and also adding a new locality for the parasite.