Temporal variation in helminth infracommunities of the Gafftopsail pompano, Trachinotus rhodopus (Pisces: Carangidae) off the Pacific coast of Mexico

Temporal variation of the helminth infracommunity structure in the Gafftopsail pompano Trachinotus rhodopus was studied during bi-monthly revisions of samples collected offshore from Puerto ' Angel, Oaxaca (Mexican Pacific) in 2018. In total, 110 specimens of T. rhodopus were subjected to a parasitic review. Helminths found were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level (six species and three genera) by means of morphological and molecular data. Attributes of the helminth infracommunities are described through statistical analyses, showing stability in terms of their richness throughout the year. However, variations were found in helminth abundance related to the seasonality of samplings, which may be associated with the life cycles of the parasites, the host species' gregarious behavior, the availability of intermediate hosts, and/or the diet of T. rhodopus.

Automated summary

The temporal variation of helminth infracommunity structure in Trachinotus rhodopus was studied offshore in Puerto ' Angel, Oaxaca (Mexican Pacific) in 2018. A total of 110 specimens were examined, and six species and three genera of helminths were identified using morphological and molecular data. Statistical analyses revealed stable richness of helminth infracommunities throughout the year, but variations in abundance were found related to seasonality, possibly due to parasite life cycles, host behavior, availability of intermediate hosts, and diet of T. rhodopus.