121 Endoparasites of anurans in the seven cities national park Neotropical Helminthology, Vol. 19, Nº1, jan - jun 2025 Neotropical Helminthology Neotropical Helminthology, 2025, vol. 19 (1), 121-129 ORIGINAL ARTICLE / ARTÍCULO ORIGINAL PARASITES OF THE WHITE MULLET, MUGIL CUREMA VALENCIENNES, 1836 (MUGILIFORMES: MUGILIDAE), FROM SANTA CATARINA STATE, SOUTHERN BRAZILPARÁSITOS DE LA LISA BLANCA, MUGIL CUREMA VALENCIENNES, 1836 (MUGILIFORMES: MUGILIDAE), DEL ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA, SUR DE BRAS IL Rosiléia Marinho de Quadros 1,2* , Aline Brum Figueredo Ruschel 3 , Jary André Carneiro Júnior 2 , Pedro Volkmer de Castilho 4 , Renata Assis Casagrande 1 & Ricardo Bassini-Silva 5* ISSN Versión Impresa 2218-6425 ISSN Versión Electrónica 1995-1403 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.62429/rnh20251911972 Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal Volume 19, Number 1 (jan - jun) 2025 Este artículo es publicado por la revista Neotropical Helminthology de la Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemática, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Lima, Perú auspiciado por la Asociación Peruana de Helmintología e Invertebrados Af nes (APHIA). Este es un artículo de acceso abierto, distribuido bajo los términos de la licencia Creative Commons Atribución 4.0 Internacional (CC BY 4.0) [https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.es] que permite el uso, distribución y reproducción en cualquier medio, siempre que la obra original sea debidamente citada de su fuente original. ABSTRACT T is study investigates the parasitic fauna of Mugil curema Valenciennes, 1836 (Mugilidae) from Laguna, southern Santa Catarina, Brazil, being the f rst parasitological survey of this species in the region. A total of 52 specimens were examined for ecto- and endoparasites. T e external examination revealed Ergasilidae specimens and copepod eggs on the gills, while the monogenean Metamicrocotyla macracantha (Alexander, 1954) was identif ed. Internal prospection showed the presence of the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus curemai Noronha, 1973, and one unidentif ed digenean from 1 Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (Cav - Udesc), Lages, SC, Brazil; e-mail: rosileia.quadros@udesc.br, rosileia@uniplaclages.edu.br, e-mail: renata.casagrande@udesc 2 Laboratório de Zoologia e Parasitologia, Universidade do Planalto Catarinense (UNIPLAC), Lages, SC, Brazil; e-mail: jary@uniplaclages.edu.br 3 Departamento de Aquicultura da UFSC, vinculada ao Laboratório de Piscicultura Marinha (LAPMAR), Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; e-mail: aline.brum@ufsc.br 4 Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca e Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Laguna, SC, Brazil. e-mail: pedro.castilho@udesc.br 5 Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; e-mail: ricardo.bassini@gmail.com* Corresponding author: rosileia.quadros@udesc.brRosiléia Marinho de Quadros: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2801-0289.Aline Brum Figueredo Ruschel: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5801-2317Jary André Carneiro Júnior: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8625-0542Pedro Volkmer de Castilho: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9939-7807Renata Assis Casagrande: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6845-6344Ricardo Bassini-Silva: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9568-4120
122 Neotropical Helminthology, Vol. 19, Nº1, jan - jun 2025 Marinho de Quadros et al. the family Haploporidae. Histopathological analysis revealed hepatic lesions and mild infammation in intestinal tissue. Tese fndings underscore the importance of parasites in M. curema , contributing to the ecological understanding of parasitism in marine fsh and its potential implications for human health and environmental monitoring. Keywords: Environmental indicators Fish health – Histopathology – Parasitology Southern Brazil RESUMEN Este estudio investiga la fauna parasitaria de Mugil curema Valenciennes, 1836 (Mugilidae) de Laguna, en el sur de Santa Catarina, Brasil, siendo el primer relevamiento parasitológico de esta especie en la región. Se examinaron un total de 52 ejemplares en busca de ecto e endoparásitos. El examen externo reveló la presencia de ejemplares de Ergasilidae y huevos de copépodos en las branquias, mientras que se identifcó el monogeneo Metamicrocotyla macracantha (Alexander, 1954). La prospección interna mostró la presencia de acanthocephala Neoechinorhynchus curemai Noronha, 1973 y de un digeneo no identifcado de la familia Haploporidae. El análisis histopatológico reveló lesiones hepáticas e infamación leve en el tejido intestinal. Estos hallazgos resaltan la importancia de los parásitos en M. curema , contribuyendo a la comprensión ecológica del parasitismo en peces marinos y sus posibles implicancias para la salud humana y el monitoreo ambiental. Palabras clave: Indicadores ambientales – Salud de los peces – Histopatología – Parasitología – Sur de Brasil INTRODUCTION Te family Mugilidae Jarocki, 1822 consists of 20 genera and 78 valid species (Froese & Pauly, 2024), with a wide geographic distribution, occurring in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, particularly along coastal areas and estuaries (Falkenberg et al., 2021). In Brazil, the only genus of this family recorded is Mugil L., 1758, which includes six species: Mugil brevirostris Miranda-Ribeiro, 1915; Mugil curema Valenciennes, 1836; Mugil curvidens Valenciennes, 1836; Mugil incilis Hancock, 1830; Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836; and Mugil rubrioculus Harrison, Nirchio, Oliveira, Ron & Gaviria, 2007 (Fischer et al. , 2011; Nascimento et al., 2022).According to the FAO (2022), mugilids are among the most produced fsh in global coastal and marine aquaculture, ranking just behind two species: Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., 1758 (Salmoniformes: Salmonidae) and milkfsh, Chanos chanos Forsskål, 1775 (Gonorynchiformes: Chanidae). Te production of farmed mugilids reached 291.2 thousand tons in 2020, marking a 125% increase over the previous fve years (FAO, 2022). Brazil is recognized as one of the largest producers of mullet worldwide (FAO, 2015; Santos et al ., 2021).Among the species found in the country, M. curema stands out due to its high demand, refected not only in fshing statistics but also in its signifcance as a farmed species. Tis species displays pelagic behavior and is found in a variety of habitats, including sandy shores, coastal pools, brackish lagoons, estuaries, and muddy bottoms (Moutinho & Alves, 2014). In its natural environment, M. curema has a diverse diet, feeding on algae, particularly diatoms, and zooplankton.Fish parasites represent an important component of aquatic biodiversity, as fsh are directly afected by their environment or indirectly through their hosts (Mehana et al., 2020). Tese parasites are notably diverse and abundant compared to other vertebrate classes, likely due to evolutionary processes that have fostered a close association with a wide range of invertebrates over time (Dezfuli & Scholz, 2022). Understanding the biological dynamics of marine populations and species is closely linked to the study of evolutionary processes that govern the history of biodiversity (Broglia & Kapel, 2011).Te family Mugilidae, with its broad distribution and diverse species, plays a signifcant role in both natural ecosystems and global aquaculture. Additionally, the study of fsh parasites provides valuable insights into aquatic biodiversity, as evidenced by various studies on Mugil species, which have revealed a wide range of parasites. Tis diversity was summarized by Falkenberg et al . (2022), who highlighted that the most extensively studied regions in Brazil are the Northeast and Southeast.
123 Parasites of the White mullet Neotropical Helminthology, Vol. 19, Nº1, jan - jun 2025 In this context, the present study aims to assess the occurrence of parasites in M. curema , representing the frst parasitological investigation of this species in Laguna, a municipality in southern Santa Catarina, where fshing and fsh consumption hold great economic and historical importance. Figure 1. Location of Tesoura Beach, Laguna Municipality, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS Host specimens’ collection Te study was conducted in the municipality of Laguna (28° 28’ 57’’ S, 48° 46’ 53’’ W), located in the southern state of Santa Catarina (Figure 1). With a population of just over 50,000 inhabitants, the region’s main economic activities are fshing, commerce, and tourism. A total of 52 M. curema specimens were studied, all commercially sold at the Tesoura Beach, a small stretch of beach approximately 150 meters long, situated within the Barra Beach Mole.Tese specimens, which had an average length of 40±55 cm and an average weight of 150±380 grams, were purchased from local fshermen between November 2019 and March 2020. After being kept refrigerated, the specimens were transported to the Zoology Laboratory at the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC), located in Laguna Municipality. Parasitological analyses External and internal examinations were conducted at the Microbiology and Parasitology Laboratory at the Department of Fisheries Engineering and Biological Sciences, University of the State of Santa Catarina (UDESC). Te inspection began with the oral, nasal, and opercular cavities. Skin mucus samples were then scraped using a microscope slide, and the contents were analyzed under a Nikon Eclipse optical microscope. While, the gills were removed through a lateral incision of the opercula and examined fresh under an Olympus SZ61 stereomicroscope.In addition, a ventral incision was made from the operculum to near the anus to expose the abdominal cavity, muscle tissue fragments were placed in Petri dishes and examined under the same stereomicroscope for the detection of zoonotic nematodes. Te intestinal content was also transferred to Petri dishes and inspected for acanthocephalans, nematodes, cestodes and trematodes.
124 Neotropical Helminthology, Vol. 19, Nº1, jan - jun 2025 Marinho de Quadros et al. Preparation and identifcation of the helminthofauna Acanthocephalans and nematodes were fxed in AFA solution (70% ethanol, 5% formalin, and 2% glacial acetic acid), then preserved in 70% ethanol for later identifcation. Trematodes were stained following the protocol by Amato et al. (1991), and their identifcation was based on internal parasite structures, observed using a Nikon Eclipse optical microscope coupled with a Canon EOS R8 camera. For species-level identifcation of the Monogenea specimen, we followed the studies of Hendrix (1994) and Kohn et al. (1994). Te identifcation of Acanthocephala was based on the work of Martins et al. (2000), while the classifcation of the Trematoda family followed the studies of Tatcher (1978) and Andres et al. (2018). All parasites are deposited in the didactic collection of the Laboratory of Zoology and Parasitology at the Universidade do Planalto Catarinense (UNIPLAC), in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Histopathological analyses Following standard histopathological procedures, liver and intestinal samples were collected and preserved in formalin (10%), prepared with destilated water, for these analyses. Tese organs were subjected to dehydration in a graded ethanol series, clarifed in xylene, and embedded in parafn at 60°C. Tissue sections were stained with Harris hematoxylin and eosin (HHE) for subsequent examination under a Nikon Eclipse optical microscope. All histopathological analysis was conducted at the Pathology Laboratory of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of the State of Santa Catarina (UDESC), Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Ethis acpects: Te fsh were obtained directly from the fshermen at their beach sales. Ethics approval Not applicable. RESULTS Parasites’ identifcation After completing all the processes described above, a total of 18 M. curema specimens were found to be parasitized. Among these, copepod eggs were observed in the gills of nine individuals, along with two unidentifed adult specimens of Ergasilidae (Copepoda: Cyclopoida). In another M. curema specimen, a digenetic trematode of the family Haploporidae Nicoll, 1914 (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda) was found, a family commonly associated with fsh of the genus Mugil . Additionally, in the gills of one M. curema specimen, Metamicrocotyla macracantha (Alexander, 1954) (Monogenea: Mazocraeidea: Microcotylidae) was identifed (Figure 2). Furthermore, three specimens of Neoechinorhynchus curemai Noronha, 1973 (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) were recovered from the intestines examined. Figure 2 . Microscope image of the Metamicrocotyla macracantha (Alexander, 1954) (Monogenea: Mazocraeidea: Microcotylidae) collected from the gills of the white mullet, M. curema . A – General view of the endoparasite; B – Close up of the anterior region; B 1 – Close up of the genital atrium; C – Close up of the posterior region. Scale bar: A 1.5 mm, B, B 1 and C 0.5 mm.
125 Parasites of the White mullet Neotropical Helminthology, Vol. 19, Nº1, jan - jun 2025 Te species M. macracantha is characterized by an elongated, lanceolate body, measuring 15.2 mm in length and 4 mm in width, dorsoventrally fattened and tapering anteriorly. Te apical glands have ducts extending up to the level of the pharynx. Te buccal opening is median, subterminal, and ventral, located between the anterior extremity and the pharynx. It has two latero-median suckers (0.7 mm in length × 0.6 mm in width), situated between the buccal opening and the pharynx. Te intestinal ceca are long. Te haptor measures 1.8 mm in length and 1.3 mm in width, featuring 21 pairs of clamps arranged in two longitudinal rows along the body. Te clamps are composed of dark structures (sclerites). Te genital opening is median and ventral, located at the level of the cecal bifurcation, and armed with atrial spines (0.6 mm in length × 0.1 mm in width), organized into two bilateral groups arranged in two parallel rows (six anterior and eleven posterior). Te testes are elongated and numerous (3.3 mm in length × 1.7 mm in width). Te vitelline gland extends from the cecal bifurcation to the anterior end of the haptor. Eggs were not observed. While, the species N. curemai , which is host-specifc, is characterized by a cylindrical trunk that is wider in the anterior third, a short proboscis armed with two large hooks and three circles of smaller hooks, and elliptical eggs, consistent with the specimens examined in this study.Although the study involved the identifcation of several parasites, high-quality images are available only for M. macracantha . Images of the other listed parasites were not obtained due to limitations in the collection process or viewing conditions. However, morphological descriptions and bibliographic references were rigorously followed, ensuring the accuracy of the identifcation. Histopathological analyses Te liver samples with light-colored spots and ulcerative lesions were analyzed and histopathologically revealed the presence of larval migration (Figure 3A) and areas of moderate to severe, difuse hepatocellular degeneration. In the intestinal samples, the presence of parasites was observed in the submucosa, surrounded by a mild infammatory reaction, with a predominance of macrophages (Figure 3B). Unfortunately, it was not possible to identify the causative agent of the lesions described above, requiring further studies. Figure 3. Histopathological images of the M. curema ’s liver and intestine. A - Cross section of the intestinal muscle. B - Cross section of the liver parenchyma. Black arrows show the endoparasite. All images in HE stains. Scale bar: 200 µm. DISCUSSION Fish parasites, especially those in marine environments, can cause signifcant economic losses and pose public health concerns. Despite this, specifc studies on parasite diversity, particularly nematodes in marine fsh from the Americas, are scarce, with most research focusing on isolated cases of particular species (Pereira & González-Solís, 2022). In the present study, the absence of ectoparasites on the body surface may be attributed to the capture method, as the friction between the fsh and the net could dislodge these parasites. Tis hypothesis is supported by the fnding of parasites in the gills, an area protected from such mechanical efects.
126 Neotropical Helminthology, Vol. 19, Nº1, jan - jun 2025 Marinho de Quadros et al. While gill parasites typically exhibit low diversity and density, their interactions are often reported as isolated incidents. However, the coexistence of monogeneans on gills is well documented, with some studies, such as this one, reporting the presence of copepods alongside monogeneans (Baker et al ., 2005). For M. curema , the only record of coinfection by Monogenea and ergasilids on the gills of this species in Brazil comes from Falkenberg et al . (2021), who found evidence suggesting interactions between these parasites in this species in northeastern Brazil. In the present study, we identifed ergasilid copepods and the monogenean species M. macracantha on the gills of M. curema .Ergasilid copepods, which predominantly inhabit the gills, can cause infammatory reactions, increased mucus production, changes in gill flament anatomy, and cellular infltration. In some cases, these changes can lead to hyperplasia, potentially afecting host growth, fertility, and survival (Cavalcanti et al ., 2005; Mentz et al ., 2016). Herein, only two complete copepod specimens were identifed, with the remaining samples being eggs, making it difcult to observe any signifcant gill alterations. Similar fndings were reported in M. curema specimens from the northern region of Santa Catarina, where ergasilid specimens were also found on the gills of M. curema specimens (Gueretz et al ., 2022).Regarding to the monogenean species collected, we were able to identifed up to species level as M. macracantha , a monogenean from the family Metamicrocotylidae, which has been sparsely documented in Brazil, particularly in M. liza (Kohn et al ., 1994; Cohen et al ., 2004). Known to parasitize the gills of marine fsh, particularly those of the genus Mugil , this parasite can cause gill lamella hyperplasia in cases of massive infection, thereby interfering with ion absorption and gas exchange (Mentz et al., 2016). While this parasite has been previously reported in other Mugil species in various regions (Vidal-Martínez et al ., 2017), this study presents the frst record of M. macracantha in M. curema from southern Brazil.Additionally, the present study identifed N. curemai acanthocephalans in the intestines of three specimens. Tis species has also been reported in M. curema from the northern region of Santa Catarina, with a prevalence of 3.39%, further supporting the fndings of this study (Gueretz et al ., 2022). Mugil species are catadromous, their migratory behavior could explain the distribution of N. curemai across coastal and estuarine environments (Cavalcanti et al ., 2012; Gueretz et al ., 2022). Acanthocephalans are signifcant in ecological studies because they can accumulate contaminants, making them valuable indicators of environmental quality (Sures, 2008; Roohi et al ., 2015). Fish, being highly susceptible to pollutants through diet or living in degraded ecosystems, often harbor high concentrations of metals in the tissues of acanthocephalans, suggesting the environmental conditions to which they are exposed (Abdallah et al ., 2019). Te relationship between fsh, parasites, and contaminants provides an efective means of assessing ecosystem health. As biological indicators, fsh parasites can refect the ecology of their hosts, including migration patterns, feeding habits, and population structures (Mehana et al. , 2020).Digeneans from the family Haploporidae, which primarily parasitize herbivorous or omnivorous fsh, are common in marine ecosystems. In Brazil, these parasites have been recorded in several Mugil species (Eiras et al ., 2016; Andres et al ., 2018). Te present study adds to the knowledge of these trematodes, though taxonomic identifcation remains incomplete due to limited specimen availability and morphological challenges. Similarly, the histological analysis of hepatic tissue revealed larvae resembling Ascocotyle longa metacercariae, a zoonotic parasite. While precise identifcation could not be made, previous studies in M. curema have also reported the presence of A. longa larvae in muscle tissue (Namba et al. , 2012; Gueretz et al ., 2022). Digenean trematodes may not be immediately concerning due to their typically asymptomatic nature, due the fact that their potential pathogenic efects are still debated and dependent on various factors as parasite type, host condition, and the presence of intermediate hosts (Aly et al., 2020). However, these fndings contribute to the growing understanding of digenean trematodes and their potential implications for fsh health, highlighting the need for further research to clarify the pathogenicity and ecological roles of these parasites.In conclusion, this study contributes important insights into the diversity of parasitic fauna in M. curema and highlights the ecological interactions between fsh and their parasites. Te fndings not only expand the knowledge of parasitic species in Brazilian marine ecosystems but also emphasize the role of parasites as indicators of environmental health. Continued research is crucial to further understand these interactions and their implications for both fsh health and human safety, particularly in relation to zoonotic parasites in fsh consumed by humans.
127 Parasites of the White mullet Neotropical Helminthology, Vol. 19, Nº1, jan - jun 2025 Author contributions: CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy)RMQ = Rosiléia marinho de Quadros ABFR = Aline Figueredo Ruschel JACJ = Jary André Carneiro Júnior PVC = Pedro Volkmer de Castilho RAC = Renata Assis Casagrande RBS = Ricardo Bassini-Silva Conceptualization: RMQ Data curation: RMQ Formal Analysis: RMQ, ABFR, PVC, RAC, RBS Funding acquisition: RMQ Investigation: RMQ, ABFR, PVC, RAC, RBS Methodology: RMQ, PVC, JACJ Project administration: RMQ, RBS Resources: RMQ, PVC Software: RMQ, ABFR, JACJ, PVC, RAC, RBS Supervision: RMQ Validation: RMQ, RBS Visualization: RMQ, RBS Writing – original draft: RMQ, ABFR, JACJ, PVC, RAC, RBS Writing - review & editing: RMQ, RBS BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES Abdallah, V.D., Leite, L.A.R., & Azevedo, R.K. (2019). Neoechinorhynchus curemai (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) como indicador de impactos ambientais no rio do Peixe, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Diversitas Journal, 4 , 764-773.Aly, S.M., El-Gheit, S.A., Fadel, A., & El-Din, H.E. (2020). Digenetic Trematodes in Dicentrarchus labrax cultured in Egypt: Prevalence, Clinical Features, Body Condition, and Histopathology. Egypt Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 3 , 463–480.Amato, J.F.R., Boeger, W.A., & Amato, S.B. (1991). Protocolos para laboratório coleta e processamento de parasitas do pescado. Imprensa Universitária.Andres, M.J., Pulis, E.E., Curran, S.S., & Overstreet, R.M. (2018). On the systematics of some marine haploporids (Trematoda) with the description of a new species of Megasolena Linton, 1910. Parasitology International, 6, 805-815.Baker, T.G., Pante, E., & Buron, I. (2005). Co-occurrence of Naobranchia lizae (Copepoda) and Metamicrocotyla macranta (Monogenea), gill parasites of striped mullet Mugil cephalus . Parasitolology Research, 97 , 515–520.Broglia, A., & Kapel, C. (2011). Changing dietary habits in a changing world: emerging drivers for the transmission of foodborne parasitic zoonoses. Veterinary Parasitolology, 182 , 2-13.Cavalcanti, E.T.S., Nascimento, W.S., Takemoto, R.M., Alves, L.C., & Chellappa, S. (2013). Ocorrência de crustáceos ectoparasitos no peixe ariacó, Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus, 1758) nas águas costeiras do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Biota Amazônica , 3 , 94-99.Cavalcanti, E.T.S., Pavanelli, G.C., Chellappa, S., & Takemoto, R.M. (2005). Ocorrência de Ergasilus versicolor e E. lizae (Copepoda: Ergasilidae) na tainha, Mugil curema (Osteichthyes: Mugilidae) em Ponta Negra, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. Arquivos de Ciências do Mar, 38 , 31-134.Cavalcanti, E.T.S., Takemoto, R.M., Lizama, M.A.P., Alves, L.C., & Chellappa, S. (2012). Occurrence of Neoechinorhynchus curemai (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) in Mugil curema (Osteichthyes: Mugilidae) from the coastal waters of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Animal Biology Journal, 3 , 173-179.Cohen, S.C., Kohn, A., & Baptista-Farias, M.F.D. (2004). Ultrastructure of the tegument of Metamicrocotyla macracantha (Alexander, 1954) Koratha, 1955 (Monogenea, Microcotylidae). Brazilian Journal of Biology, 64 , 27-31.
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