Anisakid Presence in the European Conger, Conger conger, from Spanish Mediterranean Waters

• DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111326
• Publication Date: 2023-11-08T06:54:30Z
• Authors: Xavier Roca-Geronès; Lídia Sarrà-Alarcón; Eulàlia Delgado; Maria Magdalena A...; Margarida Casadevall; Roser Fisa
• Keywords: Conger

The European conger, Conger is a benthic marine fish species with geographical distribution extending through the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. Despite being extensively distributed widely appreciated by Spanish consumers, studies regarding parasite presence in this are scarce. In present work, hundred eight specimens from Mediterranean coast of Spain (Catalan waters) were surveyed for nematode parasites. Several morphologically identified: third-stage larvae Anisakis type I (sensu Berland, 1961) (n = 131), II 18), third- fourth-stage adults Hysterothylacium spp. 48), Cucullanus sp. 391), Cristitectus congeri 69). Moreover, some decapode also observed as part host’s diet, most detected preys Micromesistius poutassou, Sardina pilchardus, Macropipus sp., Goneplax rhomboides. This represents first survey parasites infecting C. conger waters. Among detected, should be highlighted ingestion parasitized these could potentially lead to anisakiasis consumers.