Prevalence and Morphological Characterisation of Anisakis spp. in Some Commercial Fish from the Libyan Coast: A Comparative Study of Scomber scombrus and Scorpaena scrofa

This study presents the first parasitological investigation of two commercially important fish species: the Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and the red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) from the Misurata local market in Libya. A total of 40 specimens, with 20 specimens per species, were examined for Anisakis spp. infections in their digestive tracts, gills, and livers. The prevalence of Anisakis spp. was found to be 80% in S. scombrus and 40% in S. scrofa, with a statistically significant difference (P≤0.05) in the infection rates between the 2 species. Additionally, S. scombrus showed a significantly higher infection intensity, with the heaviest burden of parasites concentrated in the digestive system. The distribution of Anisakis spp. across different organs varied by host species. These findings highlight distinct infection profiles that are likely influenced by differences in host ecology and feeding behaviour. The results of this study provide an important baseline for food safety and fisheries management in the region.