Occurrence of gnathia larvae (Crustacea, isopoda, gnathiidae) in three lessepsian fish species in the southern Turkish coast of the aegean sea

Gnathia larvae (praniza) of Gnathiidae (Crustacea, Isopoda) were reported for the first time from the southern Turkish coast of the Aegean Sea, found in the gill filaments of Lessepsian species goldband goatfish Upeneus moluc-censis (Bleeker, 1855) and Red Sea goatfish Parupeneus forsskali (Fourmanoir & Guézé, 1976) (both Perciformes; Mullidae), and in the gill filaments and mouth of redcoat Sargocentron rubrum (Forsskål, 1775) (Beryciformes; Holocentridae). The prevalence of Gnathia larvae in these fish was 47 %, 63 %, and 58 %, mean intensity 1.3, 1 and 1, respectively. The parasites were observed macroscopically in the gill filaments of the fish, and appeared red as the blood sucked from their hosts completely filled their stomachs. A description of morphological characters of the praniza is also provided. © 2020, Historical Society of Southern Primorska of Koper. All rights reserved.