Journal of Biodiversity & Endangered Species

Marine Parasites of Omani Waters: State of knowledge

Abstract

Volodymyr K Machkevskyi, Sarah H Al-Jufaili, Ridah S Khalfan and Nashwa AM Al-Mazrooei

Parasitological studies of marine fish inhabiting the Sultanate of Oman began in the late sixties of the twentieth century and continued through ‘82. These studies revealed a total of 154 marine parasite species belonging to ten taxonomic groups.These included myxosporeans, microsporidia, helminths, parasitic crustaceans and leeches. New species were described, some of which were categorized as harmful to public health and some were found to have an impact on the quality and marketability of their hosts. The geographical distribution of the recorded parasites will be pointed out in the current paper. In addittion, the distribution patterns of the reported parasites will be analyzed and discussed according to the ecology of the perspective hosts of each parasite. Six groups of parasites can be suggested; Pelagic (3,1%), Demersal (58,4%), Benthic (23%), Pelagic-Demersal (7,5%, Demersal-Benthic (5,6%) and Pelagic- Demersal-Benthic (2,5%). Demersal parasites were the most abundant and least abundant were Pelagic-Demersal- Benthic and Pelagic ecological groups of parasites. In addition, some parasites were categorized as potential threats to future development of aquaculture industry in the country.