Enteromyxum leei infection in parrotfish, Sparisoma cretense: histopathological, morphological and molecular study

Abstract

Enteromyxum leei (Myxozoa) has been identified as the aetiological agent of morbidity and mortality in captive feral parrotfish, Sparisoma cretense held at the facilities of Cretaquarium, the public aquarium of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research in Crete. The parasite caused substantial mortality to the parrotfish exceeding 60% over a period of 3.5 months. Here we describe the course of disease, the effects of the parasite on the host based on histopathological observations and we provide morphological and molecular data on the parasite.

Keywords: Enteromyxosis; Mediterranean; Myxosporea; Parasitic disease; Parrotfish.