PARASITES OF THE FLATFISH PARALICHTHYS-ADSPERSUS (STEINDACHNER, 1867)(PLEURONECTIFORMES) FROM NORTHERN CHILE

Three species of protistan and 22 species of metazoan parasites were o btained from a sample of 179 flatfish, (Paralichthys adspersus) taken- off Antofagasta, northern Chile. Prevalence of infection of seven para sites (Protista: 1, Copepoda: 2, Digenea: 1, Acantocephala: 1, Nematod a: 2) was significantly and positively correlated with host size. Host 's sex do not seem to affect prevalence of infection, except for Nybel inia surmenicola, Capillaria sp. and Anisakis sp. (prevalence of infec tion significantly greater in males than females) and Philometra sp. ( prevalence higher in females). Mean abundance is correlated with size in nine species (Protista: 1, Copepoda: 2, Digenea: 3, Acantocephala: 1, Nematoda: 2). Host's sex do not affect mean abundance, except for C ainocreadium sp. and Philometra sp.(mean abundance higher in females) and Nybelinia surmenicola, Capillaria sp. and Anisakis sp. (mean abund ance higher in males).