Norileca indica – Host Specific and Seasonwise Infection by this Cymothoid Isopod on the Mackerel Fish,  Rastrelliger kanagurta along the Malabar Coast, India

Rastrelliger kanagurta, one of the important food fishes along the Malabar coast, India appears to be a potential host for a cymothoid isopod Norileca indica.  It parasitizes the branchial chamber of this mackerel species with strict host specific and seasonal manner.  Highest infection rate is during the summer months. Most of the cases it is found in pairs one in each branchial chamber with different combination and male-female is most predominant. There exists a positive correlation between 1) parasite size and host size 2) parasite size and fecundity.

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