Infection of silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) with Philometra sp. in Bandar Imam Khomeini

Objective: Nematodes of the family Philometridae are frequent parasites of the abdominal cavity and various body tissues of freshwater and marine fishes. Most species are known only from the large-sized gravid females, whereas the minute males of many species and genera have not yet been described. This study reports infection of silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) with Philometra sp. in Bandar Imam Khomeini. Method & Materials: In July and August 2007, in Bandar Imam Khomeini Marine Fish Research, silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) was propagated. During that time, 66 specimens of the brood stock fish were collected from Bandar Imam Khomeini estuaries and were transferred to propagation place. In spawning duration one or more red color nematode were found on the surface of 8 female fishes. Results & Conclusion: Based on the presence of a mouth with labia, cylindrical esophagus and large space surrounded by ovary the nematode was identified as Philometra sp. Prevalence of infected fishes was 28.57%. There was no parasite in male fishes. The maximum number of parasites in one fish was 6. Parasites in the surface of ovary caused hyperemia, inflammation and necrosis. Parasites caused reduction of spawning in infected fishes. Although many studies provided descriptions of various philometrid species, very few provide information about the prevalence, intensity, or effects of these nematodes. Other studies have reported that infection occurs after first host maturity and that female nematodes have only been observed in the gonads of females.