Dynamics of Kudoa camarguensis (myxosporean) infection in two gobiid species, Pomatoschistus microps and P. minutus (Teleostei: Pisces), in the Rhĵne River delta, France.

The occurrence of the myxosporean parasite Kudoa camarguensis was surveyed monthly during 1997 in a brackish-water lagoon of the Rhĵne River delta (France). K. camarguensis was found on its typical host, Pomatoschistus microps, and on an additional host, P. minutus. Prevalence and mean abundance were higher in the typical host than in the additional host due to differences in the temporal occupancy of the lagoon by the 2 species. The temporal occurrence of this myxosporean parasite is discussed in relation to the migratory habits of P. minutus and the sedentary habits of P. microps.