Frequent occurrence of nematode parasites in moontail bullseye

Nematodes infect various organs of fish such as stomach, intestine, liver, gonads, swim bladder, fins, orbits of the eye and brain. This parasitic infestation is known to cause growth retardation and impaired gonadal development in fishes. Bullseye belonging to the family Priacanthidae is a major demersal fishery resource in India and mainly caught by multiday trawlers operated at 20-150 m depths. Nematode parasites were found in moontail bullseye Priacanthus hamrur landed at Cochin Fisheries Harbour during May-September, 2017 period.