Abstract

INFECTION OF ACANTHOCEPHALAN PARASITE NEOECHINORHYNCHUS AGILIS SP IN THE GREY MULLET, (MUGIL CEPHALUS) A CANDIDATE SPECIES FROM - CORENTYNE COAST, BERBICE, GUYANA

S.Rajeshkumar*¹ and N.Munuswamy²

Abstract

The study describes the infection of the acanthocephalan, Neoechinorhynchus agilis sp. The (grey mullet) Mugil cephalus is highly valued food along the Corentyne coast, Berbice, Guyana. The fish Mugil cephalus were collected from Bush Lot, Whim, 43 Village 63 Beach and 79 Village, Corentyne coast. The infections with the parasites were observed in posterior region of the intestine, liver and muscle, almost blocking the lumen during the examination of M. cephalus. The presence of the parasites Neoechinorhynchus agilis sp found in the surface of the intestine appeared thickened along with mucosal epithelium. A description of the parasites and its clinicopathology is discussed. Though the worm substantially damaged the architecture of the intestinal tissues, no apparent ill effects on the general health condition of the fish were observed. This is the first report of Mugil cephalus of Berbice River, Corentyne coast from Guyana.

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