Ecology and implications of parasitism by Lernaea cyprinacea (Crustacea: Copepoda) on Argentinian silverside Odontesthes bonariensis (Teleostei: Atherinopsidae)

MANCINI, M.; SALINAS, V.; TANZOLA, D.; GUAGLIARDO, SILVIA; REGIS, L; DEL PONTI, O.; MARZUOLI JUAN

Pan-American Journal of Aquatic Sciences

PanamJAS

Año: 2021 vol. 16 p. 30 - 36

1809-9009

Lernaea cyprinacea is a cosmopolitan copepod that affects a wide variety of fish. Parasite infestations severity is influenced by environmental factors and varies among fish species. The Argentinian silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis) is one of the most important fish in Argentina?s fisheries. The main characteristics of the water of a Pampean shallow lake in central Argentina (34º38?S, 63º44?W) and different parameters of L. cyprinacea in O.bonariensis were evaluated. The prevalence of L. cyprinacea was of 44.9%, with an average abundance and intensity of 2.2 and 4.0 parasites per fish respectively, with no preference found for the fixation site. A positive correlation was observed between the number of parasites vs. length and fish age. The relative weight (Wr) of the parasitized vs. non-parasitized fish did not show significant differences. The growth parameters of the O. bonariensis evaluated were framed within characteristic values. It is concluded that L. cyprinacea does not alter the body condition of the O. bonariensis with the observed parasitic intensity and water characteristics (2.98 ±0.16 g.L-1 of salinity and temperature of 17.1 ±1.5 ºC). However, esthetic deterioration isobserved in fish with high parasitic load.Key words: Anchor worm, Ectoparasite, Argentinian