Between-year variation of metazoan parasite fauna on Sciaena deliciosa (Tschudi, 1846) (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) in Lima, Peru

The community structure of parasites on Sciaena deliciosa (Tschudi, 1846), is evaluated and eventual changes are analyzed in the composition, richness, diversity, prevalence and mean intensity of parasite communities on fish specimens that were similar in body length but were sampled 20 years apart (August 1987 to July 1988 vs. August to September 2008) in Lima, Peru. Metazoan parasites were collected and counted employing conventional techniques. Total abundance was 1.7 (0-13) and parasite species richness was 0.7 (0-2 parasite species per fish). Thirsty hosts (60%) were infected by at least with one parasite. Seven parasite taxa were found: two monogeneans (Cynoscionicola sciaenae, Hargicotyle sciaenae), a digenean (Helicometra fasciata), a nematode (Dycheline amaruincai), an acanthocephalan (Tegorhynchus sp.), and two copepods (Caligus callaoensis, Lernanthropus huamani). This comparative analysis (parasites of S. deliciosa in 1987-1988 vs in 2008), showed a decreased prevalence of Tegorhynchus sp., D. amaruincai, Bomolochus peruensis, and Neobrachiella oralis. The mean intensity increased for C. americana and Tegorhynchus sp. And diminished for C. callaoensis. Differences between years could be influenced by variations of sea temperature that affect larval stages and/or copepod reproduction over the course of the study period and size of the sample.