High prevalence of dermal parasites among coral reef fishes of Cura‡ao

During expeditions to Cura double dagger ao in August and October of 2013, a large number of fish infected with dermal parasites was observed. Infected individuals presented black spots and white blemishes on their skin and fins that were easily observed by divers, and which have been associated with infections by trematodes, turbellarians, and protozoans (Cryptocaryon). In order to compare rates of infection across localities in the Caribbean, we conducted visual censuses of reef fish communities along 40 m(2) belt transects in Belize (n = 35), Cura double dagger ao (n = 82), and Mexico (n = 80) over a 4-week period. Three affected individuals were recorded in Belize, 75 in Cura double dagger ao, and none in Mexico. Approximately 68 % of the infected individuals in Cura double dagger ao were surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae). There was no correlation between incidence of infection and species abundance (r (2) = 0.03), or with functional traits (diet, mobility, schooling behavior, or position in the water column). The causes of the strikingly high incidence of dermal parasites in Cura double dagger ao and its consequences remain unknown. However, considering that parasites with complex life cycles have several hosts throughout their lives, and that past disease outbreaks have had severe consequences on communities of the Caribbean, we caution that coral reef ecosystems of Cura double dagger ao should be closely monitored.