Helminthofauna of Batrachoides surinamensis (Batrachoidiformes: Batrachoididae) from estuaries of the Amazon in Pará, Brazil

Abstract This research aimed to identify the species that make up the helminth fauna of Batrachoides surinamensis, a commercially important fish on Marajó Island and the Bragança region, Pará, Brazil. A total of 146 specimens of B. surinamensis from Marajó Island and 60 specimens from Bragança were analyzed between 2021 to 2024. The samples were acquired from artisanal fishers at the time of landing. The helminth parasites found were processed for analysis by light and scanning electron microscopy. Taxonomic identification was performed using phylum keys, and scientific articles with original descriptions and redescriptions of species were used to identify the taxa present. Helminths were quantified to determine prevalence, mean intensity of infection and mean abundance parameters. In the collections from Marajó Island, of Nematoda had the highest prevalence at 76.71%, followed by Trematoda at 25.34%, Cestoda at 86.98% and Acanthocephala at 0.68%. In the collection from Bragança of Nematoda had the highest prevalence at 83.33%, followed by Cestoda at 40%, Trematoda at 81.66% and no Acanthocephala were recorded. It was possible to make the first record of the gastrointestinal helminths of B. surinamensis from Marajó Island and the Bragança region in the state of Pará.