Myxobolus squamalis Iversen 1954 is a myxozoan parasite of trout and salmon in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Parasite myxospores develop in the scale pockets, and cyst development in severe infections results in skin lesions that may affect the market value of the fish (Kent et al. 1994). Iversen (1954) reports the hosts of M. squamalis as Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow or steelhead trout), O. kisutch (coho salmon), and O. keta (chum salmon).
Distribution
West coast of North America
Hosts
Rainbow trout, and some salmon.
Detection Methods:
microscopic exam - wet mount
Target tissue
Skin and scales