First record of Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae (Eoacantocephala, Neochinorhynchidae) on Colossoma macropomum (Characidae) in a fish farm in Roraima, Brazil

ABSTRACT Severe infections by the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae were reported in Colossoma macropomum in fish farms in northern Brazil. The occurrence of the parasite is recorded for the first time in the state of Roraima, Brazil, along with its parasite indexes. Fifty C. macropomum from a fish farm were analyzed. We collected a total of 13474 individual parasites. Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae had a prevalence of 100%, and mean intensity and mean abundance of 269.48. Significant positive correlations were observed between fish standard length, weight and relative condition factor and the number of parasites. Our results showed evident loss of body mass in the parasitized fish. Fish farmers in Roraima should be advised to manage the infection of C. macropomum by N. buttnerae, as massive infections of this parasite can deteriorate the health of the fish