Presence and potential threats of the cymotoid isopod Ceratothoa oestroides (Risso 1816) in meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) caught in Mersin Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean

This study investigates the detection of the parasitic isopod Ceratothoa oestroides (Risso, 1816) in meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) caught from the Paradeniz Lagoon (Mersin Bay) and the possible impact of this parasite on aquaculture. A review of the extant literature pertaining to the host species and distribution of the parasite was also conducted, with particular attention to the effects of the parasite on species farmed in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Drawing attention to the negative impact of this parasite on fish health and aquaculture and raising awareness about the precautions to be taken were also discussed. C. oestroides poses a grave threat to Mediterranean aquaculture, and as a critical resource for Mediterranean fish farms, the findings of this study are of great importance for the regional aquaculture sector.