Prevalence of fish lice, Argulus (Crustacea: Branchiura) in freshwater and two ornamental fishes of Iran

Farming and trading of aquarium fish has been considered a popular pastime in the world. Most Iran's are imported from Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand Vietnam. Fish lice (Argulus) is known as one most important common ectoparasites ornamental fish. Reports indicate that these parasites have observed to Iran (e.g goldfish Carassius auratus koi carp Cyprinus carpio). Today, due mismanagement some breeding centres Iran, species such may escaped into natural waters which increase risk transmitting pathogens native The present work was performed investigate outbreak an ectoparasite Argulus two also evaluate possibility transmission inland freshwater fishes Iran.