Helminth parasites of grey mullets (Teleostei: mugilidae) in the mediterranean region: a review

Abstract

Helminths are a diverse and rich group of fish parasites, some of which are dangerous pathogens of epidemic potential. The present review is focused on helminth parasites from grey mullets (Mugilidae) in the Mediterranean and Azov-Black Seas. These fish are of great economic importance, supplying food and recreation services. This study covers helminth parasites of six species: Mugil cephalus, Chelon labrosus, C. auratus, C. ramado, C. saliens and Planiliza haematocheila. This paper gives first a brief overview of the history of taxonomic and faunistic studies of helminth parasites from grey mullets in the Mediterranean. The history of the helminth parasites from grey mullets goes back to over 200 years ago to the first species described by Rudolphi. One hundred and four helminth species have been recorded in about 130 published papers. Fewer than 10 species, mostly large ones, have been recorded prior to 1900. Since the 1960s, taxonomic efforts have rapidly increased, reaching the highest level in the first decade of the 21st century, while only one new species has been recorded in Mediterranean mullets in the last decade. We suggest that the decrease in the number of described species observed in the last decade is the consequence of previous intensive taxonomic efforts probably resulted in actual estimation of species diversity for the studied area. The helminth fauna is dominated by digeneans and specialist parasites. The highest richness of helminths is found in the Azov-Black Seas mullets, while the poorest in the Eastern Mediterranean. A relatively large amount of species (20) defined to generic or family level remains the opportunity for further taxonomic studies.