Eubothrium crassum in migratory trout, Salmo trutta L., in the sea

The incidence and intensity of infection of various ages and conditions of migratory trout by Eubothrium crassum are described. A marine source of the worm seems likely and explanations for the characteristics of the parasite burden are given on this assumption. Within weeks of first going to sea the hosts accumulate large numbers of the parasite. One year suffices for the life cycle of Eubothrium but growth continues for at least two years and possibly for longer. The parasite burden decreases in older fish because of the stress imposed on the parasite by successive migrations of the host to and from fresh water and because older fish tend to feed earlier in the year.