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A massive infestation of sea snakes by cymothoid isopods

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Abstract

In this study, a massive infestation of the sea snake Enhydrina schistosa by the cymothoid isopod Nerocila serra, commonly parasitizing fishes, is reported for the first time from India. This isopod was found attached on the different parts of the body of the snake. According to the month, the parasitic prevalence ranged from 30.8 to 55.3%, increasing during the monsson period. It was higher in female than in male snakes.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Director and Dean, Faculty of Marine sciences, Annamalai University for providing facilities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Portonovo - 608 502, Tamil Nadu, India

    A. Saravanakumar, T. Balasubramanian & K. Raja

  2. UMR 5119 Ecosym (CNRS-UM2-IFREMER-IRD), Equipe Adaptation Ecophysiologique et Ontogenèse, Université Montpellier 2, CC. 092, Place E. Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier Cedex 05, France

    Jean-Paul Trilles

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  1. A. Saravanakumar
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  2. T. Balasubramanian
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  3. K. Raja
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  4. Jean-Paul Trilles
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Correspondence to A. Saravanakumar.

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Saravanakumar, A., Balasubramanian, T., Raja, K. et al. A massive infestation of sea snakes by cymothoid isopods. Parasitol Res 110, 2529–2531 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-011-2795-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-011-2795-4

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