Helminth Fauna of the Endemic Anatolian Fish Species, Caucasian Bleak (Alburnus escherichii Steindachner, 1897) (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae) from Türkiye
Commagene Journal of Biology, vol.10, no.1, pp.19-23, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 10 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.31594/commagene.1764396
- Journal Name: Commagene Journal of Biology
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.19-23
- Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Abstract: Endemic fish species are generally more
susceptible to helminth parasites due to their limited geographical
distribution and unique ecological niches and they may exhibit increased
sensitivity to infections caused by these parasites. Such infections can lead
to poor growth of local and endemic species populations. This study was
conducted to determine the helminth fauna of Alburnus escherichii Steindachner,
1897, a fish species endemic to Türkiye and commonly known as the Sakarya Bleak
fish. A total of 86 specimens were collected from the Seydi River, which flows
through the Kırka region of Seyitgazi District, Eskişehir Province, during
February, March, and April 2017. Parasitological examinations conducted in the
laboratory, where all the organs were examined under a microscope and helminth
parasites were recorded, revealed two helminth species: one form Digenea
species (Allocreadium isoporum) and one from Nematoda species (Rhabdochona
denudata). Both A. isoporum and R. denudata are reported for the first time
from A. escherichii in Türkiye. This study contributes to the knowledge of the
helminth fauna of Türkiye’s freshwater fishes, providing a critical basis for
the conservation of endemic species and the sustainability of ecosystem health.