OCCURRENCE OF DIPLOSTOMIDAE (DIGENEA: DIPLOSTOMOIDEA) AND CYMOTHOIDAE (CRUSTACEA: ISOPODA) IN FISHES FROM THE SERRA BRANCA DAM, IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PAI PEDRO, NORTH OF MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the occurrence of diplostomids and cimotoids in fish of the Serra Branca river dam, in the municipality of Pai Pedro, North of Minas Gerais, Brazil. From local fishermen, 15 fish of four different genres were acquired, being them Prochilodus, Astyanax, Acestrorhynchus and Leporinus. The musculature, mouth region, organs, cavities and eyeball of each fish were macroscopically examined. The parasites found were collected and identified. A total percentage of 53.33% (8/15) of positivity was observed, with 46.66% (7/15) of the total positive for diplostomide metacaria of two morphotypes: Austrodiplostomum sp. and Sphincterodiplostomum sp, restricted to the eyeball and 6.66% (1/15) positive only for specimens of the family Cymothoidae, being identified as belonging to the genus Braga sp., being configured as first record in Prochilodus lineatus (Curimbatá). The diversity of metacercaries in fish from the Serra Branca river dam, in the North of Minas Gerais, shows that besides the participation of native fish as intermediate hosts in the biological cycle of these parasites, their participation in the local food web since the ultimate hosts of diplostomids are fish-eating birds. As for the isopod, it is another registered parasite capable of causing physical damage to a fish of commercial importance. Therefore, future research will be necessary to determine the consequences of this parasite on the ichthyofauna of Brazilian reservoirs. These studies may provide information for a better use of this zootechnical activity.