Schistocephalus solidus (Cestoda: Ligulidae) Infection Characteristics and Pathology at the Highest Elevation Record Environment (Dalaman River Basin, Turkey)

| This study was aimed to identify Schistocephalus solidus in three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus (Teleostei: Gasterosteidae) and to describe infection parameters and pathology. Three-spined stickleback specimens were collected between October 2019 to September 2020 in Gökpınar Spring (Dalaman River basin-Turkey). The highest elevation record of the common cestod parasite of three-spined stickleback has been found in this environment. Gross examination revealed that abdominal swelling was the most common finding. Cachexia and growth retartion were common in infected fishes. During the necropsy parasites were localized at the abdominal cavity. At the histopathological examination of the parasite, marked inflammatory reaction and fibrous tissue proliferation were observed. This study result showed that Schistocephalus solidus can cause marked pathological findings in infected threespined stickleback.