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Background: Anisakid nematodes are common parasites of fish, mammals, fisheating birds, and reptiles with a worldwide distribution, causing diseases in human, fish and important economic losses. Methods: A preliminary epidemiological study was carried out on Anisakid nematodes larvae in some commercially important fish species to evaluate the anisakid nematode larvae from greater lizardfish, (Saurida tumbil), Japanese thread fin bream (Nemipterus japonicus), crocodile longtom (Tylosurus crocodilus crocodiles) and longfin trevally (Carangoides armatus) from the Persian Gulf of Iran. Result: The collected larvae were identified mainly as the third larval stage (L3) of Hysterothylacium larval type A, B and C, Anisakis sp., Raphidascaris sp., Pseudoterranova sp. and Philometra sp. (Nematoda: Philometridae). The prevalence of Anisakid larvae infection of examined fishes was 97.2% in N. japonicus, 90.3% in S. tumbil, 20.5% in crocodile longtom and 5.5% in longfin trevally. Anisakis type III for the first time was different from Anisakis type I and Anisakis type II. Discussion: Zoonotic anisakids by high prevalence in edible fish could be a health hazard for people. So health practices should be considered in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 188 fish samples of Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch, 1791) were collected from north west of the Arabian Gulf (latitudes 48° 44′ to 48° 46′; longitude 29° 46′ to 29° 47′) during the period from January 2011 till January 2012. The copepod Caligus epinepheli Yamaguti, 1936 was recorded from the gills during most months of the year. Descriptions of adult parasites and chalimi (larval stages of the parasites) were included. Females body length range was 1.38-2.55 (2.16) mm. Egg sac length 0.99-1.80 (1.31) mm, the number of eggs ranged from 13-22 (17) in each egg sac. The range of the males body length was 1.45-1.73 (1.59) mm. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in the infestations of both sexes of the host (except in fish group with body length 18-21cm.).The highest incidence of infestation was recorded during March and June (57.1%), while the lower level of infestation was recorded during December (7.6%). The high intensity of infestation was recorded during April (10), while the lowest intensity of infestation was recorded in December (1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]