Myxobolus squamalis

ALSO KNOWN AS: None

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
Detection Methods: Microscopic examination of scales
Hosts: Rainbow trout, and some salmon
Target Tissue: Skin and scales