title: Parasitic infections in juveniles of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) cultivated in the Peruvian Amazon.
abstract: The paiche, Arapaima gigas represents a socio-economically important species in the Peruvian Amazon, and actually an intensive production for human consumption has emerged during the last years. Therefore, more studies are required in fish farming development, especially concerning populations of parasites that affect fish production yields. Eighty specimens of paiche collected between September and October of 2011 from semi-intensive fish farm in Loreto State, Peru, were examined for their helminthic parasites. Five species were recorded parasitizing A. gigas: Dawestrema cycloancistrium and Dawestrema cycloancistrioides (Monogenea) on gills, Trichodina sp. (Protozoa) on the skin, Caballerotrema arapaimense (Trematoda) in stomachs and Philometra senticosa (Nematoda) in the swim bladder. Highest prevalence was recorded for D. cycloancistrium (100.0%), D. cycloancistrioides (83.0%) and Trichodina sp. (50.0%) and highest values of mean intensity and mean abundance were recorded for D. cycloancistrium (260) parasites per individual. The results confirm the necessity of constant monitoring of fish, seeking the diagnosis and timely control of infestations with parasites, in order to eradicate the mortality of the host that leads unviable the fish farming intended for human consumption.
authors.affiliation: University of São Paulo, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Parasitology, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil. patrickmathews@usp.br
authors.forename: Patrick Mathews
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Delgado
authors.forename: John Paul Mathews
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Delgado
authors.forename: Rosa Ismińo
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Orbe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017756:Aquaculture; D017753:Ecosystem; D005393:Fish Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D005399:Fishes; D005880:Gills / Q000469:parasitology; D010568:Peru / Q000453:epidemiology; D014200:Trematoda; D014201:Trematode Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*