OCCURRENCE OF LAMPROGLENA PULCHELLA (NORDMANN, 1832) (COPEPODA: LERNAEIDAE) IN SOME CYPRINID FISH FROM OHRID LAKE (MACEDONIA)

The representatives of the class Copepoda are of great importance in fish pathology. Lamproglena pulchella (Nordmann, 1832) (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) is an ectoparasite of many cyprinid fish, widespread in Europe up to the Aral Sea. During the long-term investigations of 12 species of cyprinid fish from the Lake Ohrid, a total of 7 specimens of Lamproglena pulchella was found in 5 fish from 4 fish species: Rutilus ohridanus, Squalius squalus, Scardinius knezevici and Chondrostoma ohridanus. Only fresh fish were subjected to routine parasitological examinations, dissection, and observation methods. Parasite identification was performed morphologically, based on the character of their maxilla, maxilliped, antennae, legs and uropods, using a referent key for determination. The 3 parasite specimens were found in two samples of Rutilus ohridanus, followed by 2 parasite specimens in Squalius squalus and one specimen in Scardinius knezevici and Chondrostoma ohridanus, each. These parasites attach to gills and general body surfaces by their maxilla and maxilliped, causing wounds that become the spots of secondary infection by microbes. The damage caused by this parasite is more pronounced in aquaculture systems. We did not find many parasites, but considering the potential danger that Lamproglena pulchella poses to the fish health, we point out the need to monitor infestations with this parasite and take preventive measures so that the parasite does not spread massively among fish in Lake Ohrid and to prevent its introduction into other waters in Macedonia. The record of Lamproglena pulchella in all four cyprinid fish in the present study is considered as the first from the Ohrid Lake. At the same time, Rutilus ohridanus, Scardinius knezevici and Chondrostoma ohridanus represent new hosts for this parasite, worldwide.