Abstract
A Parasitological survey was conducted of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) from the Western North Pacific Ocean in June-August 1995 and July-September 1996. A total of minkewhales were captured n waters from 35-52° N and 140-170° E. The ecto- and endo parasites found were as follows (prevalence): the copepodPennella balaenoptera (68.4%); the amphipod (whale louse) Cyamus balaenoptera (5.1%); the trematode Lecithodesmus goliath (59.9%); the cestodesDiphyllobothrium macroovatum (13.0%);Diplogonoporus balaenoptera (13.0%);Tetrabothriussp.(4.5%); the nematodeAnisakis simplex (89.8%); and the acanthocephalanBolbosoma nipponicum (100%). Two species of epizoits, Xenobalanus globicipitis (1.1%) andConchoderma virgatum, were also collected.
