Volume 58
Parasitic Isopod Infestations on Post-spawning Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) from Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
Authors
Luke, K.E., B .X. Semmens, P.G. Bush, B. Johnson, C.M. McCoy Download PDF Open PDF in BrowserOther Information
Date: November, 2005
Pages: 505
Event: Proceedings of the Fifty Eighth Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
City: San Andres
Country: Colombia
Abstract
Infestations by the isopod Excorallana tricornis tricornis on Nassau grouper (Epinephilus striatus) caught in modified Antillian fish traps around Little Cayman Island were documented shortly after spawning season. Eleven of thirteen sexually mature (> 50cm) Nassau grouper caught in traps during a 24 hours soak time were attacked and some mortality occurred. Divers reported seeing groupers under attack during the study period, suggesting that trapping did not exclusively precipitate attacks. Local fishermen reported that attacks were common immediately following Nassau grouper spawning season in mid-winter annually.