Molecular identification and population dynamic of Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae Dujardin, 1845) isolated from the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L.) in the Adriatic Sea

► 76.1% of anchovies were infected with Anisakis larvae. ► Mean abundance was 6.59. ► Larvae were identified as A. pegreffii. ► Larvae had plasticity in respect to season, fishing ground, host size and gender.