The host: Several fish species have been reported as hosts of this parasite amongst which are gilthead seabream and European seabass, the main cultured species in the Mediterranean. Here, the case refers to European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax.
The disease: Ceratothoa oestroides is a blood-feeding isopod parasite that infects several fish species. It is located within the buccal cavity of the host where it is attached through several hooks. The female is bigger than the male. Due to the blood-feeding nature of the parasite, infected fish are usually anaemic and emaciated and in addition prone to secondary bacterial infection.
Epidemiology: The parasite is more prevalent from spring to autumn with a peak during the summer months. Aquaculture conditions may affect the presence of the parasite.
