Anisakis infestation in marine fish and cephalopods from Galician waters: an updated perspective

A total of 2,673 fresh specimens of cephalopod and fish representing 35 spe cies were obtained from commercial local fisheries in Galician waters (NW S pain). They were examined for anisakid nematodes by digestion of the muscle and elution of the viscera and whole body cavity. All larval nematodes rec overed were identified by light microscopy and multilocus electrophoresis a s belonging to the species Anisakis simplex sensu stricto and A. pegreffii. Encysted larvae mostly occurred in the viscera but were also found in the flesh of squid and fish. Demographic values for larval nematodes are discus sed in relation to host preferences and the ecological niche of both anisak id species at the sampling area. Primary recommendations are also expressed concerning the effects of current fishing and aquaculture practices on the Anisakis problem.