Protozoan and metazoan parasites of juvenile tambaqui Colossoma macropomum farmed in the Lower São Francisco, Brazil

Abstract

Raising freshwater organisms currently represents a growing Market. However, animal confinement constitutes a factor that favors appearance of parasitic diseases, culminating in stressed fish and significant economic damage. In this context, monitoring fish health can ensure early diagnostic of pathogens. This study aims to verify the occurrence of parasites in juvenile tambaqui raised in the Integrated Center of Fish Resources and Aquaculture – Codevasf of Betume, Neopolis Sergipe State. Water quality of fish farms was assessed at the moment of fish collection. Fish were randomly collected and transported for parasitological analysis. The presence of protozoans, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Epistylis sp. were observed along with monogenean helminths and Digenean metacercaria in examined animals. The most prevalent parasites were: Monogenea (91%), Digenea (81.25%), I. multifiliis (59%) and Epistylis sp. (10%). The presence of parasites in analyzed fish shows the need for monitoring in order to avoid dissemination, proliferation and/or introduction of potential pathogens in fish farms and bodies of natural water.