SOBRE LA DIVERSIDAD DE LA FAUNA MONOGENOIDEA EN UN PAÍS MEGADIVERSO, BRASIL

Abstract

Monogenoidea represents a class of hermaphroditic Platyhelminthes ecto-parasitic of mainly fishes. They inhabit the gills, skin, nasal fossae, ureters and some intestinal ducts. Brazil is known as a country with rich fauna, flora and mineral resources, with more than 4000 species of freshwater fishes, representing approximately 31% of the world freshwater fish species. Abou 365 species of Monogenoidea described from Brazil is listed. The International Symposium on Monogenea (ISM) represents the most traditional event for researchers worldwide that study this group of parasites. During the Sixth ISM, in South Africa, Brazil had being elected the next venue (ISM 7). This is the first time in American continent that will enable the participation of researchers and students of the whole continent.