The parasite fauna of Galaxias maculatus in the estuary of Maullin River, Chile

Puye (Galaxias maculatus), were collected monthly between June 2001 and May 2002 from the estuary of the Maullin River to determine the diversity and seasonality of the parasite fauna. A total of nine parasite species were identified in a sample of 148 fishes during the study period. These comprised one ciliate, one myxosporean, one monogenean, two digeneans, one acanthocephalan, one nematode, one cestode and one branchiuran. The greatest diversity of parasites was present in autumn (March to May) while the lowest diversity was recorded in spring (September to November). The largest prevalence and seasonal abundance was observed for the Contracaecum sp. larvae in summer and for the larvae of an unidentified cestode in winter. In contrast, the lowest values were recorded in autumn for Dactylogyrus sp. and Acanthocephalus tumescens. This is the first survey of the parasites of Galaxias maculatus inhabiting estuarine zones.