Premium
Diversity of parasites in Cichlasoma amazonarum Kullander, 1983 during rainy and dry seasons in eastern Amazon (Brazil)
Author(s) -
A. Carvalho A.,
TavaresDias M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of applied ichthyology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.392
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1439-0426
pISSN - 0175-8659
DOI - 10.1111/jai.13451
Subject(s) - ichthyophthirius multifiliis , biology , wet season , dry season , ecology , amazon rainforest , parasite hosting , species richness , zoology , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , world wide web , computer science
Summary This study investigated the influence of the rainy and dry seasons on the parasite communities of Cichlasoma amazonarum (Kullander, 1983) in a tributary of the Amazon River system, northern Brazil. Of 112 fish examined, 95.5% were parasitized by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis , Piscinoodinium pillulare , Gussevia disparoides , Posthodiplostomum sp., Procamallanus ( Spirocamallanus ) inopinatus , and Echinorhynchus paranensis , as well as by the Glossiphoniidae leech. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and P. pillulare were the dominant parasite species, with I. multifiliis the most prevalent and abundant; the leech (Glossiphoniidae) was the least prevalent and least abundant. Parasites presented an aggregate dispersion pattern and seasonal variations in infestation levels, influenced by the environmental conditions in the rainy season. Variation in the parasite dynamics created overall changes in the parasite communities, characterized by greater diversity, species richness and evenness during the rainy season. However, there was a high similarity (99.8%) in the parasite community structure between the rainy and dry seasons. During the dry season the hosts had predominantly 1–3 parasite species compared to 3–4 parasites in the rainy season. Some parasites in the eastern Amazon undergo population changes relating to seasonality. These results thus indicate the correct season to apply adequate prophylactic measures to reduce negative impacts of parasites in this wild ornamental fish when captured.