A checklist of helminth fauna of weatherfish, Misgurnus fossilis (Pisces, Cobitidae): state of the art, species list and perspectives of further studies

The helminth fauna of weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) in natural range is reviewed. Several helminth species reported in weatherfish are discussed with reference to host specificity and their geographical distribution. The current list of helminth parasites of the weatherfish includes 37 species. Most (15) are digenean trematodes, half of them being larval stages. Only one species of trematode — Allocreadium transversale is more specific parasite of weatherfish. Second largest group are Monogenea, with 10 species. Two of them (Gyrodactylus strelkovi and G. misgurni) are found only in the genus Misgurnus. Tapeworms (6 species) and Nematodes (6 species) are less numerous. No Acanthocephala, however, were ever found.