The occurrence of digenean trematodes in some cyprinid fish from Belchishta Wetland (Macedonia)

Abstract. Belchishta Wetland is the biggest wetland ecosystem in Macedonia and hosts a variety of plant and animal species. Belchishta Wetland is included in the Emerald National Network of R.N. Macedonia and is suggested for nomination as a Natura 2000 site. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of digenean trematodes, as well as their prevalence and intensity of infestation in some cyprinid fish from Belchishta Wetland. During the parasitological investigations on the intestinal tract of some cyprinid fish species (chub - Squalius squalus; Ohrid minnow - Pelasgus minutus, and minnow - Phoxinus lumaireul) from Belchishta wetland, 3 species of digenean trematodes were established, as follows: Allocreadium isoporum was found in chub (Squalius squalus) with the prevalence of 9.09 % and intensity of infestation 1.50; Plaigioporus stefanskii was found in Ohrid minnow (Pelasgus minutus) with the prevalence of 9.52%, and intensity of infestation 2.00; and Pseudochetosoma salmonicola was found in minnow (Phoxinus lumaireul) with the prevalence of 10.00% and intensity of infestation 2.00. The total prevalence in all cyprinid fish amounts to 9.33%. Findings of all digenean trematodes represent a first record for the parasite fauna of fish from Belchishta Wetland, while Plaigioporus stefanskii and Pseudochetosoma salmonicola are found for the first time in Macedonian waters.