PRELIMINARY PARASITOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF BROWN TROUT WITH NEW RECORDED SPECIES IN ARMENIA

The brown trout Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758 is an important species for fisheries in Armenia, with a comparatively wide distribution in both wild habitats and aquaculture. Despite its significance and widespread presence, there is limited information regarding diseases and parasites affecting brown trout in Armenia. The aim of this study was to examine the parasite fauna of brown trout in the southern part of Armenia. The research was conducted in the Vayots Dzor Region, as well as at the Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, and Armenian National Agrarian University. Captured fish were examined using the method of complete parasitological research. Parasites were analyzed under microscope and identified using specialized manuals based on their morphological features. A total of 20 brown trout were captured between September and December 2023. Of these, 8 individuals (40%) were (40%) were infected with parasites. Six species of parasites were identified: Dactylogyrus vastator Nybelin, 1924 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae), Gyrodactylus sp. (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae), Bunodera luciopercae Müller, 1776 (Trematoda: Allocreadiidae), Proteocephalus longicollis Zeder, 1800 (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae), Khawia armeniaca Cholodkovsky, 1915 (Cestoda: Lytocestidae), and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet, 1876 (Ciliata: Ichthyophthiriidae). Parasite infections were generally characterized by low intensity, except for I. multifiliis. Gyrodactylus sp. and B. luciopercae helminths were detected for the first time in Armenia. This pilot study provides baseline information for further large-scale investigations and offers a valuable insight for farmers to better understand the challenges associated with efficient production.