Parasitofauna of Gymnotus SPP: In a commercial establishment in the municipality of Jaguariúna-SP

Abstract

The tuvira (Gymnotus spp.) is a fish little used for consumption, being better known as live bait. It is present in the watersheds of Brazil, where it coexists with other commercial species that are used for human consumption. The objective of this work was to study the parasitofauna of tuviras in a commercial establishment. Technical visits were carried out to obtain information about the routine of the property and to collect fish. Samples of skin mucus scraped from the gills, intestine and stomach were analyzed. Nematode larvae were observed in the muscles of two specimens and a metacercalar cyst in the skin of one specimen. No ectoparasites were observed in the gills and skin of the specimens examined. The low frequency of parasites is related to good sanitary management and monitoring of fish health with the accompaniment of a veterinarian. The nematodes found have zoonotic potential, emphasizing the importance of continuing studies on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of parasitosis in tuviras.