Galaxias maculatus (Galaxiidae, Salmoniformes) infected with Acanthostomoides apophalliformis (Digenea, Platyhelminthes) in Southern Argentina: Pathology and absence of parasite induced mortality

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze at histopathological level, lesions produced by Acanthostomoides apophalliformis in the native fish Galaxias maculatus, and relate them to quantitative results on parasite- induced fish mortality, in Lake Moreno, Southern, Argentina. Absence in most lesions of inflammatory reaction, unaltered hepatic parenchyma at a short distance from the foci of the lesions and viable appearance of parasites, all suggest a good reciprocal adaptation.. This hypothesis is reinforced by data showing the absence of A. apophalliformis-induced mortality in the fish population.