Distribution of larval anisakids in blue whiting off Portuguese fish market

Specimens of Micromesistius poutassou (n=238) obtained in a fish market of Oporto, Portugal, were examined for the presence of larval anisakids. Anisakis sp. L3 larvae (prevalence = 77.7 %; mean intensity = 5.8; mean abundance = 4.5) and Hysterothylacium sp. L3 larvae (prevalence = 5 %; mean intensity = 4.1; mean abundance = 0.2) were found in body cavity, mesenteries, liver and muscles. The Anisakis sp. intensity and abundance were significantly related to the host body length. The percentage of Anisakis sp. in muscle was inversely related to the host length.