SPECIES COMPOSITION AND SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF THE HELMINTHOFAUNA OF THE BULLROAT (MYOXOCEPHALUS SCORPIUS, COTTIDAE) FROM KOLA BAY OF THE BARENTS SEA
The species composition of the Myoxocephalus scorpius helminthofauna was studied. The helminthofauna of the bullroat is rich and represented by 18 species (8 nematodes, 5 trematodes, 3 cestodes, and 2 acanthocephales). Mass species of parasites in the fish species investigated were determined. Among them, Bothriocephalus scorpii, Podocotyle atomon, Hysterothylacium gadi aduncum, Pseudoterranova decipiens, Echinorynchus gadi, and Anisakis sp. were the most abundant. Derogenes varicus and Contracaecum sp. l. were single. The helminthofauna of M. scorpius mainly consisted of mature parasites. Larval stages of parasites were rarely noted. The seasonal dynamics of the M. scorpius invasion was determined. The maximum species variety was recorded during the winter period. The highest quantitative parameters of infection for the majority of parasitic species were observed in the spring_summer period. The seasonal appearance of parasites in bullroats that use sea mammals as final hosts was found and discussed.