Host-parasite relationships: Mothocya plagulophora parasitizing Hemiramphus far in the Southeast coast of India.

Totally 384 Mothocya plagulophora were collected in the branchial cavities of Hemiramphus far from the Southeast coast of India during the study period (from July to September 2013). 204 parasites were found in the left branchial cavity and 180 in the right one. The maximum prevalence was observed in July 2013 and the minimum in September 2013. The intensity ranged from a minimum value (1.3) in July and August to a maximum (1.4) in September 2013. In most cases, the parasite was located between the second and the third branchial arch, attached either to the vomerine arch or to the internal wall of the branchial operculum.