Prevalence of parasitism by Bucephalus (Von Baer, 1827) in Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1958) from mariculture of the coastal lowlands, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

[Prevalência parasitária de Bucephalus (Von Baer, 1827) em Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1958) oriundos de maricultura das baixadas litorâneas, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil]

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to analyze the parasite prevalence of 40 Perna Perna mussels (Linnaeus, 1758), to verify the presence of the parasite of the genus Bucephalus, originating from mariculture in the coastal lowlands, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Collections were made in the four seasons of the year (autumn, winter, spring, and summer), every three months, from March 2019 to February 2020. In microscopic analysis of soft tissue of P. perna, a prevalence rate of 22.5%parasite was found. Comparison of the two collection areas showed a higher prevalence in Praia do Forno, Arraial do Cabo, during autumn, and both male and female individuals affected.

Keywords: bucephalosis; malacoculture; mussel; parasite