Prevalence of Clavella stellata (Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae) (Kroyer 1838) in the European hake (Merluccius merluccius) (L.1758) in South Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean)

The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of Clavella stellata in Merluccius merluccius from the southern Tyrrhenian Sea with some considerations on the fish-parasite relationships. A total of 268 out of 1922 (13.94%) specimens were parasitized, 179 in the buccal cavity and 11 in the gills. Our study represents the first report of this parasite in the European hake in the study area.