First record of Lernaea cyprinacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) on Betta splendens in Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this work is to bring this first record of L. cyprinacea in B. splendens. The anchor worm, also known as L. cyprinacea is an ectoparasitic copepod that can result in the mortality of the host by causing hemorrhages, ulcerations, and secondary infections. L. cyprinacea is widely distributed in world. Previous reports are restricted cyprinacaea on other fishes. The study detected, for the first time, the occurrence of lernaeosis in Betta splendens of the Alagoas state, Brazil. The ocurrence was L. cyprinacea was detected on the narines, gills, soft parts the dorsal and anal fin of Betta splendens. It brings concern the occurrence of the anchor worms Lernaea cyprinacea in a cultive because this exotic species is able to spread and to parasitize other species of fishes.

Keywords

• anchor worms
• copepod
• ornamental fish
• ectoparasite