New Record of Parasitic PranizaLarva of Gnathia pantherina ; Smit and Basson, 2002; from Arabian Gulf Greasy Grouper Epinephelustauvina Caught from Saudi Coastal Waters of Dammam

摘要

Praniza Larvae of Gnathia pantherina were collected fromgills, pectoral fins and mouth cavityespecially tongue and palate of Epinephelus tauvina. The total incidence (58.33%) 35 out of 60 examined fish.The effects of feeding on fishes in the infested E. tauvina are reported and the role of gnathiids as vectors isassessed. Ecological interactions between gnathiid larvae, client and cleaner fishes are summarized.Identification of parasitic praniza larvae of G. pantherina were done through light and scan electronmicrocopies and it characterized by large size (5.6±0.1mm, n=10). Compounds eyes large, each one is consistof number ocelli that penta-shaped. Maxilliped consists of five-articles, proximal article the largest andthe distal four ones with plumose setae. Palp 4 times as long as wide, with three articles and article 3 with6-8 simple setae. Other morphological features were compared with the most related described species ofthe same genius. The present work recorded gills, pectoral fins and mouth cavity record as new predilectionsite of these gnathiid larvae. E. tauvina and Arabian Gulf, especially off Dammam are new host and newgeographical distribution of G. pantherina.