<b>Protozoan and metazoan parasites of the cardinal Paracheirodon axelrodi Schultz, 1956 (Characidae), ornamental fish from Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i1.872

Abstract

Studies regarding parasites fauna in farmed ornamental fish are of great relevance for knowledge of the parasites species, allowing interference in their proliferation to avoid epizooties and consequently, economical losses. This study was designed to investigate the protozoan and metazoan parasites prevalence and intensity on cardinal Paracheirodon axelrodi, maintained in tanks of an exporter from Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. On necropsy 65.2% of P. axelrodi were found parasitized by Piscinoodium pillulare, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Protozoa), Gyrodactylus sp. (Monogenoidea), Procamallanus sp. (Nematoda) and Trematoda. Gyrodactylus sp. (42.7%) and Procamallanus sp. (23.6%) were the parasites of greatest prevalence, and protozoan I. multifiliis was the parasite of greatest mean intensity (4.9). Low intensity of parasites was influenced by chemotherapeutic and prophylactic management. Therefore, the concern with treatment and prophylaxis are of extreme importance for ornamental fish aquaculture.