Occurrence of parasitic ciliates (Protozoa) on perch (Perca fluviatilis) in Lake Vlasinsko

Abstract

In the sample of 83 specimens of the perch (Perca fluviatilis L., 1758), caught on eight different sampling sites at the Vlasinsko Lake reservoir, in April–October 1993, 25 infested specimens were found. They were infested with the following species of parasitic ciliates: Trichodinella epizootica, Apiosoma robustum, Apiosoma piscicolum ssp. perci, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Chilodonella cyprini and Chilodonella hexasticha. The most intensive infestation with all quoted parasitic ciliates was registered in April. Only Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infested the perch intensively in July. Trichodinella epizootica and Apiosoma robustum revealed both the highest prevalence and intensity of infestation. Regarding the localization of the parasitic species, Trichodinella epizootica and Apiosoma robustum had a much stronger affinity for the gills than for the skin of the perch.