Parasites of the dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in Puerto Rico

TLDR: Thirteen dolphinfish collected during 1993-1994 from La Parguera, Puerto Rico, were examined for parasites and the most common helminths found were D. barbatus, H. pelagicuni, and Tetrochetus coryphaenae, with prevalences of 100, 92, and 62%, respectively.

Abstract: Thirteen dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) collected during 1993-1994 from La Parguera, Puerto Rico, were examined for parasites. Nine species of helminths were identified including 6 trematodes (Dinurus barbatus, D. breviductus, D. tornatus, Hirudinella ventricosa, Stepha.nostornurn coryphaenae, and Tetrochetus coryphaenae), 1 cestode (Tentacularia coryphaenae), 1 nematode (Hysterothylacium pelagicuni), and 1 acanthocephalan (Rhadinorhynchus pristis). Each dolphinfish was infected with at least 2 species of helminths (x = 4.7; range = 2 to 7 species). The most common helminths found were D. barbatus, H. pelagicuni, and Tetrochetus coryphaenae, with prevalences of 100, 92, and 62%, respectively. Each of the 13 hosts had a different composition of helminths. Crustacean parasites included Caligus balistae, C. coryphaena, C. productus, Dysgamus sp., Euryphorus nordmanni, and Pennella varians.