<b>Infection and susceptibility of three fish species from the Paraná River, Presidente Epitácio, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to <em>Contracaecum</em> sp. larvae (Nematoda: Anisakidae)</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v25i1.2096

Abstract

Infection by Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in tucunaré (Cichla ocellaris), corvina (Plagioscion squamosissimus) and traíra (Hoplias malabaricus) collected from the Paraná River near the city of Presidente Epitácio, a region not yet studied in the São Paulo State, Brazil, was evaluated. The fishes were captured monthly with net and hook from August/2000 to August/2001 for parasitological analysis. The highest water temperature (26.7^oC to 28.8^oC) and the highest pluviosity rate (291.6mm) were recorded, respectively, between October/2000 and June/2001 and from November/2000 through May/2001. It was observed a prevalence up to 70% and a mean intensity of 9.5 parasites in H. malabaricus collected in September/2000. Prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance of Contracaecum sp. larvae in H. malabaricus were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those observed in C. ocellaris and P. squamosissimus. No difference was found between C. ocellaris and P. squamosissimus. In H. malabaricus the highest prevalence (p < 0.05) occurred in October, November/2000 and in June, July and August/2001. Positive correlation between parasitism and fish weight was also observed. The high susceptibility of H. malabaricus to Contracaecum sp. larvae was confirmed in the studied region.