Kudoa sciaenae (Myxozoa: Multivalvulidae) cysts distribution in the somatic muscles of Stellifer minor (Tschudi, 1844) (Pisces: Sciaenidae)

Abstract

The distribution of Kudoa sciaenae cysts (Myxozoa), in terms of intensity and prevalence, in the somatic muscles of the sciaenid Stellifer minor , shows an apparent preference for the anterior body region, including the head. The observed preference seems to be a consequence of the differential distribution of muscle mass, in the defined area, because when density (cyst/g dry muscle), is considered, all the somatic areas, but not cephalic area, do not show significant differences in terms of mean intensity and prevalence