[Seasonal infection by metacercaria of Diplostomum (Austrodiplostomum) mordax (Szidat and Nani, 1951) and Tylodelphys destructor Szidat and Nani, 1951 in the Chilean Silverside, Basilichthys australis Eigenmann, 1927 (Pisces:Atherinidae) in Lake Riñihue].

Abstract

Between 1993 and 1994, 129 specimens of Basilichthys australis from Lake Riñihue (39 degrees 50 minutes S; 72 degrees 20 minutes W) in the south of Chile were examined, in order to determine the prevalence and mean intensity of infections by Diplostomum mordax and Tylodelphys destructor metacercariae in the brain of fishes. Prevalence and mean intensity of D. mordax and mean intensity of T. destructor not showed seasonal significant differences. Prevalence of T. destructor was higher in summer than in winter, spring and autumn. No association between intensity of infection by D. mordax and T. destructor and body condition of the host was observed.