Ben Ali et al., M. (2024). Prevalence of Parasites in the Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 28(3), 823-839. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2024.360930
Mohamed Ben Ali et al.. "Prevalence of Parasites in the Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast". Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 28, 3, 2024, 823-839. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2024.360930
Ben Ali et al., M. (2024). 'Prevalence of Parasites in the Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast', Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 28(3), pp. 823-839. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2024.360930
Ben Ali et al., M. Prevalence of Parasites in the Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 2024; 28(3): 823-839. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2024.360930
Prevalence of Parasites in the Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast
This study represents the first investigation of its kind into the prevalence of animal-derived parasites found in the mackerel (Scomber scombrus) harvested from the Moroccan Mediterranean coast. The research shedded light on the potential risks of consuming the mackerel, which may carry various parasites originating from animals. The ecto- and endoparasites found in the catch samples from the M'diq and Jebha ports were addressed over one-year from October 2020 to May 2022, covering four seasons. The analysis involved a combination of metrics, morphological analysis, and identification techniques. A total of 495 fish specimens were examined, with 67.68% found to be parasitized. The results show that the prevalence was similar across the four seasons at each studied port, with some variation in the summer. Based on morphological examination, identified 1184 larvae, including 896 Anisakis simplex, 265 Pseudoterranova decipiens, and 23 Contracaecum were identidied. The study showed a high prevalence of Anisakidae in the collected mackerels, highlighting the need for precautions before consumption or export. To minimize the risk of Anisakidae migration to the flesh and muscles, it is recommended to gut the fish and consume it as fresh as possible.