“Spring rise” of whaleworm (Anisakis simplex; Nematoda, Ascaridoidea) third-stage larvae in some fish species from Norwegian waters (original) (raw)

Abstract

The seasonal variation in the infection of saithe (Pollachius virens), cod (Gadus morhua), and redfish (Sebastes marinus) from a coastal area of central Norway with Anisakis simplex third-stage larvae (L3) was studied over a period of 1 year. In all three host species there was an increase in the abundance of the parasite in spring, with a peak appearing in March and April. Cod displayed the most distinct seasonal variation, showing a clear abundance peak in April. The abundance peak in April for redfish was not as pronounced. In saithe the abundance over the seasons was less prominent, with a maximum appearing in March and another increase in abundance occurring during July. It is apparent that the causes behind the pattern of infection observed in this study are complex. However, possible explanatory mechanisms are discussed. Arguments are propounded to suggest that the increased supply of parasite eggs from northward-migrating whales in addition to the general spring bloom of plankton constitute the most important factors governing the phenomenon of “spring rise” in A. simplex L3 in the study area.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoological Museum, University of Oslo, Sarsgate 1, 0562, Oslo, Norway Fax: +47-22-851837 e-mail: estromne@toyen.uio.no, , , , , , NO
    Einar Strømnes & Karin Andersen

Authors

  1. Einar Strømnes
  2. Karin Andersen

Additional information

Received: 4 February 2000 / Accepted: 25 February 2000

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Strømnes, E., Andersen, K. “Spring rise” of whaleworm (Anisakis simplex; Nematoda, Ascaridoidea) third-stage larvae in some fish species from Norwegian waters.Parasitol Res 86, 619–624 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00008541

Download citation

Keywords