Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences Vol 44 (8) August 2015,pp. 1245-1251

Occurrence and prevalence of sp. (Nematoda: Philometridae) infection in the ovary of Lutjanus russelli (Bleeker, 1849) in southeast coast of India

P. Selvakumar, A. Gopalakrishnan* & A. Sakthivel

Center of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, 608 502,Tamil Nadu, India. *[E-mail: [email protected]]

Received 28 March 2014; revised 12 May 2014

Prevalence and intensity of an ovarian parasite, Philometra sp. (Philometridae) and its effect on reproductive potential of marine fish has been investigated. Fish was collected randomly from south east coast of India. Live Philometra sp were represented solely by females and found only in the ovary of mature fish caught in the spawning period of Lutjanus russelli. Fishes were measured length and weight. The normal and infected ovaries were carefully removed from dissected fishes and examined the prevalence of nematode infection for each fish. Than the nematode were carefully removed and washed in a 0.6% saline solution and fixed in 70% ethanol. Representative were clean with glycerin and fixed in a solution of 95% glacial acid and 5% formalin for identification for light microscopy (LM) examination. Since the ovary were maligned during that period, particularly ovaries would provide an abundant food source in the form of blood. Maximum prevalence in Kalpakkam and Poompuhar, the prevalence was 78.1 % and 87.8 % in summer and post monsoon season respectively. Minimum was reached in Point Calimere coast in post monsoon, summer, pre monsoon and monsoon season is 16.3 %, 25.9%, 29.4 % and 38.6 % respectively. The overall prevalence was 69.5±26.872 % in post monsoon, 53.4±19.254 % in summer, 55.6±22.273 % in pre monsoon and 73.3±18.140 in monsoon seasons.

[Key words: Lutjanus russelli, ovary infection, Philometra sp. and prevalence]

Introduction addition, several gonad-infecting philometrids Russell’s Snapper, Lutjanus russelli from this same region have been reported only (Bleeker, 1849) also called Moses Perch, a as Philometra sp.13-15. However, P. rajani was moderate-sized Lutjanid snapper that occur in considered a synonym of P. lateolabracis, and P. tropical marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific, pellucida, reported in fishes from southern India, from the Red Sea and East Africa, north to was a misidentification 16. Described for the first Japan, south to Australia and east to Fiji. It is a time the male of P. lateolabracisfrom its type- common component of fish assemblages in near host off Japan and indicated that the numerous shore habitats (sea grass and mangroves) and on records of this species from many other fish coral reefs. Lutjanid fishes form an important hosts (including all those from the Indian Ocean) component of the local fisheries of the Andaman probably represented other species17. The L. coast of Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, russelli (maximum body length 42 cm) is found although they are not especially valuable over shallow sandy bottoms, rook and coral reef commercially. Gonad-infecting species of in the vicinity of river mouths and often enters Philometra Costa, 1845 (Philometridae, estuaries and rivers18. Present study was studied Dracunculoidea) are widely distributed in occurrence and prevalence of Philometra sp marine fishes of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific (Nematoda: Philometridae) infection in the Oceans, sometimes also occurring in brackish– gonads of Lutjanus russelli (Bleeker, 1849) in water environments 1-11. These parasites may be southeast coast of India. severely pathogenic in fish ovaries and can affect reproduction 12. In Indian Ocean region, a Materials and Methods total of five nominal, gonad-infecting species of The commercial fish of Lutjanus russelli Philometra have been reported from a variety of (18 - 40cm, Fig II) were collected from landing marine fishes belonging to different families: (P. center of Chennai, Kalpakkam, Puducherry, rajani, P. cephalusand P. neolateolabracis. In Parangipettai, Poompuhar and Point Calimere 1246 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 44, NO. 8 AUGUST 2015

(Fig- 1). These fish were kept on ice and brought Philometra sp were found in the ovary of to the laboratory. All the fishes were measured dissected fish and totally, the combined ovaries length and weight wise. The normal and infected of the affected fish appeared nematode ovaries were carefully removed from dissected occurrence in comparison to ovaries of non- fishes and examined the prevalence of nematode infected inside found. Gross internal infection for each fish. Than the nematode were examinations of normal ovaries exposed carefully removed and washed in a 0.6% saline emerging oogonia within the mesovarium and solution and fixed in 70% ethanol. numerous spherical mature ova with little Representative nematodes were clean with interfollicular tissue (Fig. 3). Pooled by month glycerin and fixed in a solution of 95% glacial of capture, the prevalence of infection varied acid and 5% formalin for identification for light seasonally during the four sampling seasons. microscopy (LM) examination. The prevalence and intensity of infections we observed in L. russelli was significantly 3 nematode are found in per single ovary.

Fig 1. Showing the study area in southeast coast of India

Result Occurrence and Intensity The fishes collected during the present investigation was used for identification of the ovarian nematode infection currently occurring on Lutjanus russelli ( Fig.2) in the south east Bay of Bengal region, India, and also for estimating the prevalence and intensity of infestation of fish. Fig. 3. Infected ovary of Lutjanus russelli (A- closed ovary and B- Nematode present inside of the ovary)

Nematode Description Description of female (1 subgravid specimen): Body filiform, whitish, with smooth cuticle. Length 194 mm, maximum width 129, width of cephalic end 136, of caudal end 154. Fig. 2. Lutjanus russelli Maximum width/length ratio of body 1:99. Anterior end of body truncated, bearing eight SELVAKUMAR et al.: OCCURRENCE AND PREVALENCE OF PHILOMETRA SP. (NEMATODA: PHILOMETRIDAE) 1247 INFECTION IN THE OVARY OF LUTJANUS RUSSELLI (BLEEKER, 1849) IN SOUTHEAST COAST OF INDIA large, fleshy cephalic papillae of external circle, summer season was 44.4% prevalence were arranged in four submedian pairs, papillae reached this season. Prevalence of live present. Oral aperture circular, relatively small, nematodes was 35.6 % in July, 37.6 % in August surrounded by internal circle of four very small and 41.6 % in September. Pre monsoon season submedian papillae and two lateral papillae, and was 38.2 % prevalence were reached this season. two small lateral amphids Three Prevalence of live nematodes was 52% in oesophageallobes slightly protruding out of October, 70.4 % in November and 93.6 % in mouth as flat surfaces. Oesophagus relatively December. The monsoon season was 72 % long, narrow, mid body with ovary and intestine, prevalence was reached this season. In Posterior end of the nematode small (Fig. 4). Kalpakkam, prevalence of nematode infection was 80 % in January, 93.6 % in February and 62.4 % in March of the post monsoon season of the year. Post monsoon season was 78.6% prevalence were reached this season. Prevalence of live worms in April was 75.6%, in May 69.5% and in June 90%. The summer season was 78.1% prevalence were reached this season. Prevalence of live nematodes was 88.6 % in July, 87.3 % in August and 87 % in September. Pre monsoon season was 87.8 % prevalence were reached this season. Prevalence of live nematodes was 86.4 % in October, 81.3 % in November and 84 % in December. Monsoon season was 84 % prevalence was reached this season. In Puducherry, prevalence of nematode infection was 89 % in January, 82.5 % in February and 67 % in March of the post monsoon season of the year. Post monsoon season was 79.5 % prevalence were reached this season. Prevalence of live worms in April was 72.5 %, in May 71.5 % and in June 58.5 %. Summer season was 66.9 % prevalence were reached this season. Prevalence of live Fig. 4. Philometra sp. from Lutjanus russelli nematodes was 69.3 % in July, 84.8 % in August ovary, ABC anterior end of nematode, D mid and 73.1 % in September. The pre monsoon body with ovary and intestine, E Posterior end of season was 75.7 % prevalence were reached this the nematode. A, B (i- Oral aperture, s- cephalic season. Prevalence of live nematodes was 78.2 papillae (External), a- Internal cephalic % in October, 89.3 % in November and 74.7 % papillae), C, D (e- oesophagaeal, i- intestine, o- in December. Monsoon season was 80.6 % prevalence was reached this season. In uterus) and E (c- caudal end, ex- cloaca opening Parangipettai, prevalence of nematode infection and x- some external growing parts). was 83.3 % in January, 89.3 % in February and 65.3 % in March of the post monsoon season of Prevalence the year. Post monsoon season was 79.3 % The results in Chennai, prevalence of prevalence were reached this season. Prevalence nematode infection was 72 % in January, 76 % of live worms in April was 64.6 %, in May 62.6 in February and 66.8 % in March of the post % and in June 62 %. Summer season was 63.1 monsoon season of the year. The post monsoon % prevalence were reached this season. season was 71.6% prevalence were reached this Prevalence of live nematodes was 52 % in July, season. Prevalence of live worms in April was 44.6 % in August and 66.6 % in September. The 55.2%, in May 39.2% and in June 38.8%. The pre monsoon season was 54.4 % prevalence 1248 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 44, NO. 8 AUGUST 2015

were reached this season. Prevalence of live 15 % in January, 15 % in February and 19 % in nematodes was 96.6 % in October, 89.3 % in March of the post monsoon season of the year. November and 83.3 % in December. The Post monsoon season was 16.3 % prevalence monsoon season was 89.7 % prevalence was will be reached this season. Prevalence of live reached this season. In Poompuhar, prevalence worms in April was 26 %, in May 26.3 % and in of nematode infection was 90 % in January, 93.6 June 25.5 %. The summer season was 25.9 % % in February and 92 % in March of the post prevalence were reached this season. Prevalence monsoon season of the year. The post monsoon of live nematodes was 33.3 % in July, 15.7 % in season was 91.8 % prevalence were reached this August and 38.9 % in September. The pre season. Prevalence of live worms in April was monsoon season was 29.4 % prevalence were 48 %, in May 39.2 % and in June 38.8 %. The reached this season. Prevalence of live summer season was 42 % prevalence were nematodes was 28 % in October, 44 % in reached this season. Prevalence of live November and 44 % in December. The monsoon nematodes was 38 % in July, 50.8 % in August season was 38.6 % prevalence was reached this and 57.2 % in September. The pre monsoon season. Maximum prevalence in Kalpakkam and season was 48.6 % prevalence will b were e Poompuhar, the prevalence was 78.1 % and 87.8 reached this season. % in summer and post monsoon season respectively. The minimum was reach in Point 100 Calimere post monsoon, summer, pre monsoon 90 and monsoon season is 16.3 %, 25.9%, 29.4 % 80 70 and 38.6 % respectively. The overall prevalence 60 was 69.5±26.872 % in post monsoon, 50 40 53.4±19.254 % in summer, 55.6±22.273 % in 30 pre monsoon and 73.3±18.140 in monsoon revleance of % infection of revleance P 20 Chennai Kalpakkam Puducherry Parangipettai seasons in the year (2012). Seasonally 10 0 prevalence was lowest percentage in summer and also highest was percentage in monsoon Month season (Fig. 5 and 6).

Fig. 5. Monthly prevalence of nematode Discussion infection in Lutjanus russelli Russell’s Snapper along the southeast coast of the India appear to be heavily infected Seasonaly Prevelance % with the ovarian nematode Philometra sp. 100 Although many studies provide descriptions of 80 various Philometrid species, very few provide

60 information about the occurrence and prevalence Chennai Kalpakkam Puducherry or effect of these nematodes. Described the 40 Parangipettai Poompuhar presence of several female and male worms in a

evelance of % infection of evelance Point calimere Pr 20 single ovary but provided no information on 15 0 pathological changes associated with infection . Post monsoon Summer Premonsoon Monsoon Study area Prevalence and intensity of infections we observed in L. russelli were significantly higher than those reported in most other fish species. Fig. 6. Seasonally prevalence of infection in For example, intensity of infection in Lutjanus russelli Glaucosoma hebraicum by Philometra lateolabracis ranged from 1 to 7 nematodes Prevalence of live nematodes was 79.2 (mean of 2 nematodes)19, whereas prevalence of % in October, 75.6 % in November and 70.4 % Philometra margolisi in the gonads of red in December. Monsoon season was 75 % grouper, Epinephelus morio, ranged from 14 to prevalence was reached this season. In Point 28% depending on locality and prevalence of Calimere, prevalence of nematode infection was SELVAKUMAR et al.: OCCURRENCE AND PREVALENCE OF PHILOMETRA SP. (NEMATODA: PHILOMETRIDAE) 1249 INFECTION IN THE OVARY OF LUTJANUS RUSSELLI (BLEEKER, 1849) IN SOUTHEAST COAST OF INDIA

Philometra lateolabracis in Parupeneus indicus prevalence and intensity of Philometra was 5.3% (intensity of 1−2 nematodes)20. terapontis in Terapon jarbua having larger Philometra sp were found in the ovary females only: 98% (236 fish infected of 240 fish of dissected fish and totally, the combined examined); mean intensity 6 nematodes per fish ovaries of the affected fish appeared nematode (20 fish specimens were examined each month occurrence in comparison to ovaries of non- between January and December, 2009)23. A infected inside found. Gross internal single fixed fish ovary contained 28 male and 5 examinations of normal ovaries exposed larger female nematodes. Prevalence and emerging oogonia with in the mesovarium and intensity of Philometroides africanus in numerous spherical mature ova with little Hepsetusodoe having 29% of infection and 1-8 interfollicular tissue. The ova were destroid in nematode per fish24. In Point Calimere, infected ovaries and nematode are compresing in maximum prevalence of nematode infection in the ova.Thus the result of the present November and December but minimum in investigation provides information about January and February. The high prevalence prevalence was Chennai, maximum prevalence reached in monsoon season and minimum of nematode infection in December and prevalence of infection in post monsoon season. minimum in July. Monsoon season were high Moreover, Prevalence and intensity of prevalence reached and minimum prevalence of Paraseuratoides ophisterni in Ophisternon infection in premonsoon season. Previous report aenigmaticum having 11% of infection and 2 by 21 prevalence and intensity of Philometra nematode per fish and Prevalence and intensity genypteri in Genypterus chilensis was 11% (10 of Philometra ophisterni in Ophisternon fish infected/90 fish examined in April) 1–99 aenigmaticum having 56% of infection and 1-5 (mean 14) nematode specimens per fish. 11 also (mean 3) nematode per fish7. Also Philometra reported of the prevalence and intensity of sphyraenae in Sphyraena jello having 69% of Philometra brevicollis in Lutjanus vitta was 3 infection and 9 intensity, Philometra gerrei in fish infected/4 fish examined; 2–22 (mean 14) Gerres filamentosus having 91% of infection specimens per fish. In this study in Kalpakkam, and 7-11 intensity, Philometra otolithi in maximum prevalence of nematode infection in Otolithes ruber having 47% of infection and 6 February and minimum in March. Premonsoon intensity were recorded and Philometra sp in season were high prevalence reached and Johnius belengerii having 48% of infection and minimum prevalence of infection in summer 8 intensity were recorded 25. result of the season. Recently Prevalence and intensity of