First record of Apiosoma piscicola (Blanchard, 1885) (Ciliophora: Epistylididae) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces: Cyprinidae) from aquaculture facilities in North Macedonia.

Abstract

A total of 578 specimens of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) from eight the most significant and larger cyprinid aquaculture facilities in Macedonia (fish farms and cage culture systems) were examined for parasitological investigation. Protozoa Apiosoma piscicola was found in cage culture system on Globochica reservoir. In this fish farm, a total of 127 fish samples were examined for parasitological investigation, in which parasite infestation with A. piscicola was found on fins and gills in 79 specimens of common carp, in winter season. The prevalence of A. piscicola in common carp was 62.20%, while the mean intensity was 17.58. Our findings of A. piscicola in common carp (C. carpio) are first recorded in Macedonia. At the same time, common carp represent new host for A. piscicola in Macedonian waters.