Abstract

Scorpaeniforme fish from the genus Pterois are native to the Indo-Pacific, but have been rapidly increasing in numbers in the western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea since they were accidentally released into the marine environment in the mid-1980s. They are now recognized as one of the most significant invasive species throughout the entire Caribbean region and their high numbers and feeding behavior are having a serious impact on coral reef biodiversity. Little has been documented about pathogens and parasites from these fish in their invasive Atlantic range, therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate parasite load from fish that have been removed from the waters around St Kitts. Lionfish were speared by divers and taken directly to the laboratory for necropsy. All organs were examined for signs of gross pathology and fresh tissue preparations made to screen for the presence of microparasites using a compound microscope. Tissues that were observed to contain potential pathogens or parasites were prepared for histological examination and also preserved for DNA analysis, to assist in identification. Two microparasites were observed that are currently being identified. Apicomplexan gammonts were observed in the urinary bladder, but no sporulated oocysts were present. Mature spores of a myxosporean were found in the gallbladder of some fish, which had a Zschokkella-like form. This data will be presented and discussed with respect to histopathological findings and initial microparasite identifications.

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