Digenetic Centrocestus Sp. Metacercariae (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) Were Detected on Two Freshwater Ornamental Fish Species Imported Into Turkey: Disease Profile and Risk

DOI: 10.26650/ASE201816 Ornamental fish trade is one of the reasons for pathogen transfer among different countries. To underline the threat of exported parasite risks, 50 specimens of goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus) and 10 specimens of the female swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) imported into Turkey between December 2015 and October 2016 were examined for the presence of parasites. Metacercariae of encysted Centrocestus sp. were found only on the gills of the examined fish. The prevalance rates of Centrocestus sp. metacercariae were 34% on goldfish and 30% on the female swordtail. The mean intensities of infection were 10.58±2.38 and 14.3±13.3, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of infection with metacercariae of Centrocestus sp. in the female swordtail (X. hellerii). These results clearly emphasize that pathogen entrance into Turkey occurs through ornamental fish trade and urgent measures must be implemented to conserve our own aquatic species