Parahemiurus Merus Research Articles

The helminthofauna of the pink salmon <i>Oncorhynchus gorbuscha</i> (Walbaum, 1792) of south-east Sakhalin according to the results of many years of research

The purpose of the research is to describe and analyze the qualitative and quantitative composition of pink salmon helminths of southeastern Sakhalin.Materials and methods. Standard parasitological methods of collecting material were used. At the autopsy, the ureters, eyeballs, gill petals and arches, and the brain of fish were not examined. The method of collecting salmon parasites in the laboratory has been unchanged since 1992. Collections of representatives of monogenetic suckers were not carried out. Parasitological studies of pink salmon of southeastern Sakhalin were carried out from 1992 to 2022, a total of 4163 fish specimens were examined. The fish is caught in the estuaries of rivers and the sea coast.Results and discussion. According to the results of their own research and literature data, the pink salmon helminth fauna of southeastern Sakhalin is represented by 23 species: Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis pl., Eubothrium salvelini, Eu. crassum, Nybelinia surmenicola pl., Pelichnibothrium speciosum pl., Tetraphyllidea gen. sp., Brachyphallus crenatus, Cryptocotyle sp. mtc., Hemiurus levinseni, Lecithaster gibbosus, Prosorhynchoides gracilescens, Parahemiurus merus, Derogenes varicus, Capiatestes thyrsitae, Corynosoma strumosum l., Echinorhynchus gadi, Bolbosoma caenoforme juv., B. bobrovoi juv., Rhadinorhynchus trachuri, Anisakis simplex l., Ascarophis pacifica, Ascarophis skrjabini, Hysterothylacium aduncum. The qualitative composition of the helminth fauna is currently undergoing minor changes, while the quantitative characteristics of some helminths are significantly reduced. Thus, the infection of pink salmon with Bolbosoma sp. juv scrapers. decreased to 0.61±0.18.

Looking for Parasites as Potential Biological Tags for Pacific Thread Herring, Opisthonema libertate (Günther, 1867) (Clupeiformes, Dorosomatidae), in the Gulf of California

The Pacific thread herring, Opisthonema libertate, is a fishery resource in the eastern tropical Pacific, yet its population dynamics are poorly understood. The aims of this work were to document the metazoan parasite species in O. libertate from the Gulf of California in Mexico, determine latitudinal changes in their infection levels, and assess their potential as biological tags. Six parasitic species were identified: Myosaccium ecaude and Parahemiurus merus digeneans, Cribromazocraes cf. travassosi and Mazocraeoides georgei monogeneans, Pseudoterranova sp. nematodes, and Lepeophtheirus sp. copepods. The monogenean and copepod species are reported for the first time in O. libertate. Many fish were infected with digeneans, and there was a rare occurrence of other parasites. While the prevalence and median intensity of M. ecaude and P. merus significantly varied among sampling localities, a multivariate analysis revealed a distinct separation between some localities; these results suggest that individual fish form several discrete populations. However, the utility of these parasites as biological tags will be further probed because they cannot satisfy all requirements for good biological tags. The present results might be helpful in complementing other techniques to determine the movement and stock structure of O. libertate, albeit with certain limitations.

Parasites of Sardinella maderensis (Lowe, 1838) (Actinopterygii: Clupeidae) and Their Potential as Biological Tags for Stock Identification along the Coast of West Africa

This study is the first to provide information on the parasite fauna of Sardinella maderensis along the coasts of Benin and Ghana, and the first to investigate the potential use of parasites as biological tags in fish population studies in the area. It may thus serve as a starting point for upcoming studies. From February to June 2021, a total of 200 S. maderensis were sampled from the fishing port of Cotonou (Benin) and the Elmina landing site (Ghana). The prevalence and abundance of each parasite were recorded. The following are the outcomes of this study: Parasite species, such as Parahemiurus merus, Mazocraeoides sp. and Hysterothylacium fortalezae, were recorded along the coasts of Benin and Ghana, while Anisakis sp(p). and Tentacularia coryphaenae were only recorded along the coast of Benin. Parahemiurus merus was the most prevalent and abundant among all the parasites recorded. Anisakis sp(p). and T. coryphaenae were selected as having potential in the stock identification of S. maderensis. Both parasites were only recorded along the coast of Benin at a low prevalence. As a result, examinations of more S. maderensis from each location for these parasites may justify their use in stock identification studies.

Community ecology of the metazoan parasites of the Atlantic thread herring, Opisthonema oglinum (Lesueur, 1818) (Actinopterygii: Clupeidae) from the Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the parasitic fauna of Opisthonema oglinum (Lesueur, 1818) from Southeastern Brazil. Between September 2017 and March 2018, a total of 100 specimens of O. oglinum from the Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (22°54'S, 43°34'W) were examined. Ninety one specimens of O. oglinum were parasitized by at least one species of metazoan with a mean of 5.84 ± 7.98 parasites/fish. Seven species were collected: 2 digeneans, 2 monogeneans, 2 copepods and 1 nematode. The digenean Parahemiurus merus (Linton) was the most abundant and dominant species, representing 43% of metazoan parasites collected. The parasite species richness was positively correlated with the total length of the hosts. Only Neobomolochus elongatus Cressey showed a positive correlation between host's total length and parasite prevalence. The mean parasite species diversity was not correlated with host's total length, but significant differences among the mean parasite diversity between males and females was observed. Opisthonema oglinum represents a new host record for Caligus mutabilis Wilson, Hysterothylacium sp. and Cribomazocraes travassosi Santos and Kohn. The copepod N. elongatus is recorded for the first time on the Brazilian coast.

Primer registro helmintológico de la sardina monterrey Sardinops sagax en Baja California, México, durante dos estaciones del año

Background. The Monterey sardine Sardinops sagax (Jenyns, 1842), is one of Mexico’s most valuable fishing resources. The feeding habits of this sardine (filter feeder) make it an adequate host for different helminthic parasites. Goals. To determine the helminthological load of the Monterey sardine, S. sagax, in the coastal waters of Baja California. Methods. Samples of S. sagax landed by the sardine fleet stationed at Puerto del Sauzal, Ensenada, Baja California, were analyzed during the winter-spring and summer-fall. Results. We found three species of trematodes: Miosaccium ecaude, Parahemiurus merus (= P. noblei), and Bucephalus sp.; two species of nematodes: Anisakis sp. and Hysterothylacium sp.; and cestodes belonging to the Tetraphyllidae family. During the two sampling seasons, trematodes had the highest prevalence (100%). The prevalence and intensity of the helminthological load was higher in the winter-spring season. Conclusions. Of the parasites found, the metacercariae of the Bucephalussp.trematode are a potential parasitic risk to tuna, while the Anisakis sp. and Hysterothylacium sp.nematodes are also transmitted to tuna and can cause zoonosis. These findings are the first parasitological information of the Monterey sardine in Mexico and the first record of Bucephalus sp. in S. sagax. This information provides a baseline for further pathological and epidemiological studies of this species of commercial importance and is crucial for the fishing and aquaculture industry.

Parasites of the Vermilion Snapper,Rhomboplites aurorubens(Cuvier), from the Western Atlantic Ocean

ABSTRACT: Eighty-three Vermilion snappers (Rhomboplites aurorubens) from the northern Gulf of Mexico and 1 from off Puerto Rico, U.S.A., were examined for parasites. The survey resulted in recovery of 2 species of Monogenea: Euryhaliotrema tubocirrus and Microcotyloides incisa; 6 species of Digenea: Parahemiurus merus, Lecithochirium floridense, Hirudinella sp., Aponurus laguncula, Prosogonotrema bilabiatum, Preptetos trulla; 3 species of Nematoda: Hysterothylacium reliquens, Cucullanus pargi, unidentified Cucullanidae; and 3 species of Copepoda: 1 species in Chondracanthidae, 1 species in Caligidae, and Hatschekia sp. Stomach parasites dominated the assemblage with Pro. bilabiatum exhibiting the greatest prevalence (63.9%) and A. laguncula exhibiting the greatest mean intensity (4.6 parasites/infected host ± 6.4 SD) among parasites. Preptetos trulla and Hy. reliquens occurred at both locations and represented the only parasites found in the fish from Puerto Rico, U.S.A. Rhomboplites aurorubens represents...

Spatial variability of helminth parasites and evidence for stock discrimination in the round sardinella, Sardinella aurita (Valenciennes, 1847), off the coast of Tunisia.

Three digeneans - Parahemiurus merus (Linton, 1910), Aphanurus stossichii (Monticelli, 1891) and Lecithochirium sp. - and one tetraphyllidean cestode larva were used as biological tags to discriminate the stock of Sardinella aurita (Valenciennes, 1847). In total, 579 fish were examined in five zones off the Tunisian coast, including Bizerte and Kelibia in the north, Mahdia in the east, Gabes and Zarzis in the south. Discriminant analyses used for the separation of S. aurita allowed for the identification of two discrete stocks. Sardinella aurita from Bizerte, Kelibia and Zarzis clumped together as a single stock. Parahemiurus merus and A. stossichii were the most important species in determining the location of sampled fish from these regions. Specimens from Mahdia and Gabes were grouped as one stock characterized by the presence of Lecithochirium sp. and larvae of the Tetraphyllidea. These results were corroborated by comparing the parameters of prevalence and mean abundance of parasites among zones. The separation of S. aurita between localities after pooling specimens from Bizerte, Kelibia and Zarzis and separately pooling those from Mahdia and Gabes also allowed the identification of two discrete stocks, one in offshore waters from Bizerte, Kelibia and Zarzis characterized by the digeneans P. merus and A. stossichii and one in inshore waters from Mahdia and Gabes characterized by Lechithochirium sp. and tetraphyllidean larvae.

FEEDING HABITS AND HELMINTH PARASITES OF SARDINE (S. PILCHARDUS) AND ANCHOVY (E. ENCRASICOLUS) IN THE ADRIATIC SEA

We examined the stomach contents of two of the most economically and ecologically important small pelagic fish species, the sardine, Sardina pilchardus and the anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, obtained monthly from commercial purse-seine catches operating on Croatian fishing grounds during a one-year period (January–December, 2011). Both species generally showed a similar diet, with copepod and decapod larvae as dominant prey groups. The composition of anchovy and sardine stomach contents was not size- or sex-related, but throughout the year, a significant difference in diet composition was observed for each species as well as between species. Two gastrointerstinal helminths; the digenean Parahemiurus merus and nematode Hysterothylacium aduncum, were recorded during the stomach content analysis. Differences in population dynamics between the two parasites are congruent with differences in the prey composition of sardine and anchovy, reflecting fine-tuned interactions in the trophic web between parasites and intermediate or paratenic hosts included in the sardine and anchovy diet.

Ultrastructure of the spermatozoon of Parahemiurus merus ( ) (Digenea: Hemiuroidea: Hemiuridae), a parasite of Sardinella aurita and S. maderensis ( ) (Teleostei: Clupeidae) in the Senegalese coast

The mature spermatozoon of Parahemiurus merus (Digenea: Hemiuroidea: Hemiuridae) is filiform, tapered in both ends and exhibits the general pattern described in most digeneans so far: two axonemes of the 9+‘1’ pattern of trepaxonematan Platyhelminthes, nucleus, mitochondrion, external ornamentation of the plasma membrane and parallel cortical microtubules. However, the spermatozoon of P. merus presents some peculiarities. The presence of an external ornamentation of the plasma membrane not associated with cortical microtubules in the anterior part of the spermatozoon is described for a second genus in the family Hemiuridae. Cortical microtubules are disposed in only one side of the spermatozoon as described in other species of Hemiuroidea but, in P. merus, the number of cortical microtubules is much lower. The results obtained are compared with the available data on Hemiuroidea in order to improve the understanding of phylogenetic relationships of hemiuroids. Similarities found between spermatozoa of hemiurids and lecithasterids are in accordance with molecular evidence that group these two families in a same clade.

Helminth parasites of Ctenosciaena gracilicirrhus (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) from the coast of Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

During a survey of the helminth parasites of Ctenosciaena gracilicirrhus from the Atlantic Ocean, off Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, 10 species of metazoan parasites were collected: 1 species of Monogenea (Choricotyle rohdei); 3 species of Nematoda (Hysterothylacium sp. third stage larvae, Raphidascaris sp. third stage larvae, and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pereirai third and fourth stages larvae and adults); 6 species of Digenea (Opecoeloides pedicathedrae, Opecoeloides melanopteri, Diplomonorchis leiostomi, Aponurus laguncula, Parahemiurus merus and Manteriella sp.). Choricotyle rohdei and Hysterothylacium sp. had the highest prevalence, mean intensity and abundance and an aggregated pattern of distribution was observed in both species. A positive correlation between the standard length of hosts and the parasitic abundance of Hysterothylacium sp. and C. rohdei was observed. The prevalence of C. rohdei was positively correlated with standard length of the host, while in Hysterothylacium sp. there was no correlation. Ctenosciaena gracilicirrhus represents a new host record to all species of Nematoda and Digenea presented herein. The genus Manteriella is reported for the first time in South America.

Descriptions of digeneans from Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum) (Clupeidae) off the Algerian coast of the western Mediterranean, with a complete list of its helminth parasites

Five species of digeneans parasitic in the pilchard Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum), a little studied host, from off the Algerian coast of the western Mediterranean are redescribed. These are Parahemiurus merus (Linton, 1910) Manter, 1940, Aphanurus stossichii (Monticelli, 1891) Looss, 1907, Aphanurus virgula Looss, 1907, Lecithaster confusus Odhner, 1905 and Pronoprymna ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1819) Poche, 1926. One of these, A. virgula, is a new record for this host. One other digenean, Hemiurus luehei Odhner, 1905, was also recorded from this host. A complete checklist of the helminth parasites of S. pilchardus throughout its distributional range, comprising 104 host-parasite records of 39 taxa, is presented.

Digenetic trematodes of the Brazilian flathead, Percophis brasiliensis Quoy et Gaimard, 1825 (Percophidae, Perciformes), from Argentinean and Uruguayan waters

AbstractBased on the examination of 234 specimens of the Brazilian flathead, Percophis brasiliensis (Percophidae), caught in the Argentinean and Uruguayan Seas, the list of digenean species parasitizing P. brasiliensis is increased from 6 to 9, including the specific identification of two species previously reported at the generic level. The three news digenean records for P. brasiliensis are: Elytrophalloides oatesi, Parahemiurus merus and Aponurus laguncula, while that Ectenurus virgulus and Lecithocladium cristatum were identified to specific level. These reports showed the highest diversity of digeneans registered in fishes from the study region. The diversity of the digenean fauna of P. brasiliensis could be a consequence of the generalist food habits of this fish.

Progenetic metacercariae of Parahemiurus merus (PLATYHELMINTHES, DIGENEA, HEMIURIDAE) infecting Parasagita friderici (CHAETOGNATHA) from southern coast Brazil

Parahemiurus merus is a hemiurid widely dispersed and its life cycle is unknown. However, this species usually infects temperate pelagic fishes and chaetognaths. In this study, description and measurements of P. merus progenetic metacercariae found parasitizing Parasagitta friderici from Paranagua Bay (Brazil) are presented. The prevalence was 86.8%, intensity of infection varied from 1 to 11, mean 2.26 and, mean abundance was 1.96 (n=190). In addition, some hosts were highly infected and the parasites released eggs inside its body cavity. These eggs were able to hatch inside the chaetognath. This is the first record of P. merus progenetic metacercariae infecting chaetognaths in Brazil.

New data on some species of Monogenea and Digenea parasites of marine fish from the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fifty four specimens of marine fish belonging to seven species collected from the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were examined for helminths, and results relating to Monogenea and Digenea are presented. The monogeneans Metamicrocotyla macracantha, Microcotyle pomatomi and Gotocotyla acanthura are reported in new hosts. The digeneans Parahemiurus merus, Lecithochirium microstomum, Gonocercella pacifica, Aponurus laguncula, Gonocerca trematomi and Lampritrema miescheri are reported in new hosts, and the latter two species are also reported for the first time in Brazil.

Ecologia da comunidade de metazoários parasitos do pargo, Pagrus pagrus (L., 1758) (Osteichthyes, Sparidae) do litoral do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Ninety specimens of red porgy, Pagrus pagrus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Osteichthyes: Sparidae) collected from the coastal zone of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (21-23 o S, 41-45 o W), from October 1998 to March 2000, were necropsied for parasite studying. All fish were parasitized by metazoan. Twenty-two species of parasites were collected. The nematodes were 59% of the total parasitic specimens number. Contracaecum sp. larvae were the dominant species with highest prevalence and abundance. Abundance and prevalence of cymothoid isopod were positively correlated with host total length, while the prevalence of Parahemiurus merus (Linton) and Polymorphus sp. were negatively correlated with host total length. The host gender did not influence any parasite species prevalence or abundance. The mean diversity in the P. pagrus infracommunities was H=0.306±0.119, with no correlation with the host’s total length and no significant difference between male and female fish. Three pairs of species shared a significant positive covariation, and two pairs shared significant positive association between their abundances and prevalences, respectively. Negative parasite species association or covariation were not found. Qualitative similarity was observed between the ectoparasite infracommunities of P. pagrus , at the genus level, with other sparid fishes of the world.

Monthly occurrence of parasites of the chaetognath Sagitta friderici off Mar del Plata, Argentina

During a 1-year study period between March 2000 and 2001, 195 (6%) out of 3236 Sagitta friderici were found to be parasitized by metacercariae of digenean species and metacestodes. Parasites belonged to Derogenes sp., Ectenurus virgulus, Monascus filiformis, Lepocreadiidae, Parahemiurus merus and tetraphyllidean metacestodes. Among the chaetognaths parasitised, 178 (91%) harboured one parasite, and the remaining 17 (9%) showed two or three parasites of the same or two different species. The highest prevalences for most of the species occurred in autumn-winter (April-August), except for E. virgulus, which had maximum values in summer (December-January). Species richness varied during the year, reaching a peak in May and June 2000 with six species. The metacercariae of Lepocreadiidae were present in autumn, winter and summer at all maturity stages of S. friderici, with higher prevalence values for stages 0 and I, whereas the rest of the digeneans were absent in stage 0, with higher prevalences for the more advanced maturity stages II and III. The different types of metacercariae did not seem to induce castration in the host. Copepods (Corycaeus amazonicus) were observed attached to the body of chaetognaths or partially digested in their gut. No nematodes, internal parasitic copepods or polychaetes were found.

Community ecology of metazoan parasites of the anchovy Anchoa tricolor (Osteichthyes: Engraulidae) from the coastal zone of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Between October 2001 and March 2002, 103 specimens of A. tricolor from Angra dos Reis (23 degrees 01' S, 44 degrees 19' W), in the coastal zone of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were analyzed in order to study their metazoan parasite infracommunities. Ten species of metazoan parasites were collected: 4 digeneans, 1 cestode, 1 acantocephalan, 2 nematodes, 1 copepod, and 1 hirudinean; 77.7% of the fishes were parasitized by one or more metazoan, with a mean of 3.5 +/- 6.2 parasite/fish. Digenean was the most dominant with 4 species that accounted for 53.2% of the total parasites collected; Ergasilus sp. was the most abundant species. Abundance and prevalence of Parahemiurus merus (Linton, 1910) were positively correlated with the total length of host. Relationships between total body length of fish and both total parasite abundance and mean parasite species richness were observed. Mean parasite diversity of species was correlated to host's total length, with significant differences found between male and female fishes. Two pairs of larval species showed significant positive association and covariation. The metazoan parasite infracommunities of A. tricolor presented dominance of larval endoparasites; correlation of parasite abundance, diversity, and species richness with host total length; and low number of parasite interspecific relationships. The parasite community of A. tricolor showed some similarities with the parasite community of another South American Atlantic engraulid.

Two new hemiurine species (Digenea: Hemiuridae) from Spratelloides robustus Ogilby (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae) off south-western Australia and records of Parahemiurus merus (Linton, 1910) from Australian and New Caledonian waters

Two new species of hemiurine hemiurid are described from Spratelloides robustus off Woodman Point in southern Western Australia. Hemiurus lignator n. sp. differs from its congeners by a combination of similar-sized suckers, long sinus-sac, tandem testes, relatively elongate shape and unthickened seminal vesicle wall. Parahemiurus xylokopos n. sp. differs from its congeners in a combination of its squat form, its distinctly lobed vitellarium and the proximity of the gonads to the ventral sucker. P. merus (Linton, 1910) is reported from Acanthopagrus australis, Pomatomus saltatrix and Trachinotus coppingeri off northern New South Wales, Caranx sexfasciatus, Scorpis lineolata, Siganus nebulosus, Thunnus tonggol and T. coppingeri off southern Queensland, Cephalopholis boenak and Euthynnus affinis off Heron Island, southern Great Barrier Reef, P. saltatrix off southern Western Australia and Priacanthus hamrur off New Caledonia.

Parasites of Argentine anchovy in the south‐west Atlantic: latitudinal patterns and their use for discrimination of host populations

Four stocks of Argentine anchovy Engraulis anchoita in the south‐west Atlantic, south of 34°S were identified by the use of parasites as biological tags. A total of 671 fish were examined for parasites and 19 parasite species were found in 664 Argentine anchovies. The parasite populations and both infra‐ and component communities showed marked latitudinal gradients. Cluster analyses allowed the identification of four groups, one composed of autumn samples (35–37°S) and three of spring ones. Among the latter, a Patagonian group (43–46°S) was clearly separated from a Bonaerense group, which was divided into two groups: North Bonaerense (34–40°S) and South Bonaerense (40–43°S). Autumn samples were characterized by low values of prevalence for most parasite species. Among spring samples Pseudanthocotyloides heterocotyle, Lecithochirium microstomum, Parahemiurus merus, Scolex polymorphus and Corynosoma australe were characteristic of the northern region, whereas Cardiocephaloides sp., Anisakis simplex, Contracaecum sp. and Hysterothylacium aduncum were more prevalent in southern waters. Latitudinal environmental gradients and their influence on the distribution of both zooplankton and definitive hosts, could be determinants of the clines observed.

Ecologia das comunidades de metazoários parasitos, do xaréu, Caranx hippos (Linnaeus) e do xerelete, Caranx latus Agassiz (Osteichthyes, Carangidae) do litoral do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Sixty specimens of Caranx hippos (Linnaeus, 1766) and fifty-five specimens of Caranx latus Agassiz, 1831 collected from the coastal zone of the State of Rio de Janeiro (21-23oS, 41-45oW), Brazil, from October 1998 to October 1999, were necropsied to study their metazoan parasites. All specimens of C. hippos were parasitized, and the majority of specimens of C latus (96.4%) were parasitized by one or more metazoan species. Nineteen species of parasites were collected in C. hippos: 5 digeneans, 5 monogeneans, 2 cestodes, 5 nematodes, and 2 copepods. Seventeen species of parasites were collected in C. latus: 6 digeneans, 2 monogeneans, 3 cestodes, 4 nematodes, and 2 copepods. The endoparasites (digeneans, cestodes, and nematodes) were the majoriry, 76.4% and 63.3%, of the total number of parasite specimens collected in C. hippos and C. latus, respectively. The monogeneans Allopyragraphorus hippos (Hargis, 1956) and Cemocotyle carangis (MacCallum, 1913) were the most dominant species with the highest parasitic prevalence in the parasite community of C. hippos and C. latus, respectively. The metazoan parasites of the two host species showed the typical overdispersed pattern of distribution. Bucephalus varicus Manter, 1940. A. hippos, Protomicrocotyle mirabilis (MacCallum, 1918), Cucullanus pulcherrimus Barreto, 1918, and Lemanthropus giganteus KrΦyer, 1863 had a positive correlation only between the host's total length and abundance andlor prevalence in C. hippos. Bucephalus varicus, Tergestia pectinata (Linton, 1905), C. carangis, and Pseudoterranovo sp. had a positive correlation between the host's total length and abundance and/or prevalence in C. latus. In C. hippos, the copepod Caligus robustus Bassett-Smith, 1898 had the highest values of prevalence and abundance in the female hosts. No parasite species showed influence of the host's sex on their prevalence and abundance in C. latus. The mean diversity and the parasite species richness of the parasite infracommunities of C. hippos and C. latus were not significantly different. Only the parasite species diversity of C. hippos was correlated with the host's total length; in both host species the parasite diversity did not showed differences in relation to the sex of the host. Only one pair of ectoparasite species, A. hippos - P. mirabilis, showed significant positive co-occurrence and covariation in the parasite infracommunities of C. hippos. Two endoparasite species, B. varicus - Parahemiurus merus (Linton, 1910), showed negative co-occurrence and positive covariation; and the pair B. varicus - Pseudoterranova sp. had positive co-occurrence and covariation in the infracommunities of C. latus. The values of qualitative and quantitative simila rity coefficients between the parasite communities of C. hippos and C. latus were 55.5 and 30.4, respectively. The parasite communities of C. hippos and C. latus were defined as closest to isolationist type because there are few evidences of interspecific associations or covariations. Additional parasitological studies on other species of carangid fishes from the South American Atlantic Ocean are needed to evaluate the structure of carangid parasite communities in the Neotropical region.