A review of parasite studies of commercially important marine fishes in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Scattered records of parasitic species infecting commercially important marine fishes in sub-Saharan Africa are known from just a few countries where concerted efforts have been made by local parasitologists (e.g. Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa). Most of these consist of taxonomic records or general surveys of parasite faunas associated with marine hosts, which may or may not have been of commercial value. Little to no multi-disciplinary research is conducted in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa and hence parasitological data are not commonly used to advise fisheries management procedures. This review summarizes current knowledge on all parasitological research associated with commercially important marine fish species in sub-Saharan Africa.

Parasite community structure as a predictor of host population structure: An example using Callorhinchus capensis

“…Reed (2015) highlighted the need for more fundamental research on parasites and their associated fish hosts (both those with commercial value and those without) specifically within sub-Saharan Africa. By increasing the knowledge we have on parasite loads and infection patterns, and expanding the sampled species and areas, we can make more informed management decisions regarding commercially important fish species.…”

Marine fish parasitology in South Africa: history of discovery and future direction

“…Nematode species described from South African marine fish mainly comprise the parasitic species infecting eels, but described from the eels when in their freshwater phase, and thus not further considered here. Although many records exist of Anisakis larvae from different teleost hosts (see review by Reed 2015), one of the few records of a named marine fish parasitic species from this region is Proleptus obtusus Dujardin, 1845 collected from the intestine of the puffadder shyshark Haploblepharus edwardsii off the De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa (Moravec et al 2002).…”

Parasites in fisheries and mariculture

“…On the opposite side of South America, George-Nascimento and Oliva (2014) summarize results of research using parasites in fish population studies in the Southeastern Pacific, analysing the importance of host species body mass to the variability of parasite infracommunities and recommending regular and long-term investigations and the consideration of the effects of fishing and natural oscillations on parasite burdens. Reed (2014) reviews the research on parasitic species infecting commercially important marine fishes in sub-Saharan Africa and shows that very little research has been conducted into the use of parasitological data to advise fisheries management strategies in this region. Lester and Moore (2014) recapitulate those studies carried out in the largest region considered in this Special Issue, including Australasia, East Asia and the Pacific Islands.…”