The aim of this study was to describe the hematological parameters and histopathologic alterations in cobia infected by Amyloodinium ocellatum. A group of 27 fish were anesthetized to collect blood samples and euthanatized to collect mucus and tissue fragments of skin and gills. The prevalence and parasitic intensity of the infection, besides hematologic parameters and histopathologic alterations, was measured. Parasite prevalence in the gills was 100% and in the mucus 80.8%, and the average intensity of infection in gills and skin was 683.5 e 67.1 respectively. The mean values of hematological parameters were: erythrocytes 4.3x10(6)μL; PCV 26%, MCV 64.2 fL, plasma protein 5.8mg/dL, thrombocytes 5.2x10³/μL and leukocytes 3.6x10³/μL . Furthermore was found hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium accompanied by lamellar fusion, detachment of the epithelium, venous sinus dilatation, aneurysm formation and rupture of the lamellar epithelium, hemorrhage, necrosis and lymphocytic inflammatory reaction. The parasite was observed between the gills lamellae, the AMV ranged from mild to severe and AHI values were 76.8. The study assumes importance because it is the first study in Rachycentron canadum, a fish that stands out with potential for growing.
Amyloodinium ocellatum; cobia; Rachycentron canadum; aquaculture; parasite
