Impact of Hysterothylacium Sp. (Nematoda: Raphidascarididae) on the Nutritive Reserves of the Triglid Fish, Chelidonichthys Lucerna (Actinopterygii: Triglidae) from North Tunisian Coast (Central Mediterranean).

Abstract

PURPOSE: Parasitism influences the metabolic and physiological processes of host organisms and potentially affects their health and reproductive capabilities. This study examines the impact of the nematode parasite Hysterothylacium sp. on nutritive reserves of Chelidonichthys lucerna. METHODS: Total lipid, fatty acids, protein, and glycogen contents in the liver and ovary of parasitized were compared to unparasitized female C. lucerna during the pre-spawning period. RESULTS: This study revealed that total lipid content in the liver in parasitized female pre-spawns is statistically lower than the unparasitized specimens. The same applies to fatty acid contents, which are generally lower in parasitized fish at the level of the two organs studied, liver and ovary. The comparison of protein content in parasitized and unparasitized fish showed a lower content in parasitized ovary and liver, but that was not statistically proven. Regarding glycogen, the parasite did not influence the carbohydrate content of the ovary but doubled that of the liver in parasitized specimens. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that parasitism particularly affects lipids, fatty acids and glycogen reserves in the liver and gonads of C. lucerna, with potential consequences for the fish's reproductive capacity. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of parasitism on fish metabolism during other reproductive stages.