Systematic and host-parasite relationship of myxosporean parasites of Pimelodidae family fish in the Amazon Basin

Abstract

Myxosporean are parasites widely spread and infect mainly fish and annelids. To date approximately 2,400 species have been described. However, for South America, where is the largest fish diversity, there are still few studies considering these parasites. The Amazon basin has an extraordinary fish fauna, with species still unknown and others with large economic importance in fishing or as ornamental fish, as well as with potential for fish farm. Among the species of economic importance, for both extractive fishing and fish farm potential, are those of the Pimelodidae family. In this proposal, the aim is study the taxonomic and parasite-host relationship of myxosporeans found infecting Pseudoplatystoma triginum (caparari), Pseudoplatystoma punctifer (cachara), Phractocephalus hemiliopterus (pirarara) and Leauriua marmoratus (jundiá- the amazon) from the natural environment of the Amazon Basin, in the municipality of Santarém, state of Pará, in the meeting place of the Tapajós and Amazon rivers region. For taxonomic analysis, will be used traditional tools of morphological analysis, combined with the modern techniques of molecular biology and ultrastructure. For the study of host-parasite relationship will be used ultrastructural and histopathological analyses. (AU)