Jainus amazonensis (MONOGENEA: DACTYLOGYRIDAE) PARASITES OF Brycon cephalus (GUNTHER, 1869) CULTURED IN THE LOWLAND OF THE PERUVIAN AMAZON

Abstract

Brycon cephalus Günther, 1869, (Characidae: Bryoconinae) represents a socio-economically important species in the Amazon basin and actually semi-intensive and intensive production for human consumption has emerged in the last years. Therefore, more studies are required in fish farming development, especially concerning the populations of parasites that are affecting production yields. In this sense, the present study intended to evaluate the parasitic infection in B. cephalus bred in a fish farm of the Peruvian Amazon. This study identified a high infestation of the monogenean Jainus amazonensis in semi-intensive fish farming of B. cephalus. The prevalence was 100%. The mean intensity and abundance of the parasite was 230 of parasites per individual. This is the first report of a high infestation by J. amazonensis in cultured B. cephalus from the Peruvian Amazon. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture. All rights reserved.