Boletín del Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas

Tabla de Contenido

Teresa Martínez Leones — 2026-03-31

Incidence of Nematopsis sp. (Protoctista: Apicomplexa) in Penaeus vannamei and its relationship with physicochemical parameters of water

Edison Pascal — 2026-03-31

This study evaluated the incidence of parasitosis caused by Nematopsis sp. (Protoctista: Apicomplexa) in farmed shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) at a farm in the Falcón State, Venezuela, over four months (June–September). A total of 1000 specimens were sampled using a cast net, and microscopic counts of gregarines in the intestines were performed to estimate parasitic load. Concurrently, water physical parameters (pH, salinity, temperature, and transparency) were measured to analyze their relationship with parasitosis incidence. Results showed a significant progressive increase in incidence, from 39.52% in June to 143.52% in September, indicating a considerable rise in parasitosis levels. Monthly variations in physical parameters were observed, with decreases in pH, salinity, and transparency correlating with increased incidence. Correlation analyses revealed a strong negative association between pH and transparency with incidence (r ≈ -0.82, R² ≈ 0.67), and a moderate negative correlation with salinity (r ≈ -0.64). Temperature had a lesser and non-significant influence (r ≈ - 0.28). These findings suggest that environmental factors, especially pH and transparency, play a crucial role in the parasitic dynamics of Nematopsis sp., affecting the health and productivity of P. vannamei. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of physicochemical water parameters for sanitary control in aquaculture and recommends integrated strategies considering environmental conditions to prevent parasitic outbreaks.

Monitoring anemophilous fungi at the Combat Sports Palace, San Francisco, Zulia, Venezuela.

Andreina de los Ángeles González Prada — 2026-03-31

Anemophilous fungi are microorganisms that disperse through the air in high concentrations, contributing to infrastructure damage, toxin production, and even the spread of volatile substances. They can cause various infections, especially in people exposed to these environments for extended periods or in immunocompromised individuals. The objective of this work was to monitor the presence of anemophilous fungi at the Combat Sports Palace in San Francisco, Zulia, Venezuela. Sampling points were selected based on the infrastructure layout. Quantification of anemophilous fungi was performed using gravimetric techniques, employing triplicate Petri dishes with malt extract agar supplemented with 20% glucose. Identification of the anemophilous fungi was carried out according to the protocol suggested by Barnett and Hunter. The fungal load outside the building was reported at 2.3 x 10³ CFU/m³, while the indoor environment was at 1.62 x 10³ CFU/m³. Various fungal genera were found in both environments, with values exceeding permissible limits in the indoor rooms. Twenty- nine fungal genera were identified; 89.31% were present in the indoor environment and 55.17% in outdoor environments. The most abundant genera were Aspergillus spp., Curvularia spp., and Fusarium spp. Aspergillus spp. was prevalent in the nasal passages of athletes. The presence of clinically important fungal genera in the analyzed spaces, along with the high concentrations of fungi in the indoor environment, indicates insufficient hygiene. Improved cleaning practices and structural improvements, such as ventilation, are recommended.

First record of the invasive Asian clam Corbicula fluminea (Muller, 1774) in the Ríver basin Carinicuao, Gulf of Cariaco, Venezuela

Sinatra K. Salazar — 2026-03-31

The Asian clam Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) has successfully invaded freshwater ecosystems globally, thanks to its high adaptability and reproductive capacity. Its introduction has generated significant ecological impacts, such as alterations in sediment dynamics, primary productivity, and complex interactions with native biota. This study reports, for the first time, the presence of C. fluminea in the Carinicuao River, a tributary of the Gulf of Cariaco watershed in Sucre State, Venezuela. Eight individuals were identified through morphological analysis and updated taxonomic keys. The evidence obtained suggests a temporary presence, with no clear signs of a stable population establishment. This species could affect the structure of local aquatic communities if conditions that favor its expansion persist.

Morphological variation in Basiliscus basiliscus (Reptilia: Squamata: Corytophanidae)

Greimary Fuenmayor — 2026-03-31

The morphological study of the species Basiliscus basiliscus is essential for Zoology, as it has become evident that little information is available; for this reason, a study on traditional morphometry was conducted, with the objective of comparing the external morphological characteristics of 17 female and 6 male specimens, for a total of 23 individuals, from the municipalities of Perijá and Mara in the state of Zulia, Venezuela. Eleven characters were studied, which were measured with a vernier caliper with an accuracy of 0.05 mm. The morphometric analysis was performed using the statistical program PAST-Paleontological Statistics to calculate the mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, minimum, and maximum of each of the variables. Males obtained higher numerical values in the measurement of morphological characters; likewise, they had larger body sizes than females, which is consistent with research on other lizards. In general, the traits that varied the most were: total length, left hind limb length, and tail length; whereas those that varied the least were represented by the internasal and interorbital distances. It is worth noting that females exhibited a higher coefficient of variation in most traits, showing greater variability; a fact attributed to a larger number of individuals compared to males. It is important to continue researching this little-known species in order to gain a deeper understanding of its biological, ecological, morphological, histological characteristics, among others.

Record of Corythaica carinata Uhler, 1886 (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Zulia state, Venezuela

Alfredo D. Briceño-Santos — 2026-04-01

The presence of the lace bug Corythaica carinata Uhler, 1886 is recorded for the first time in Zulia state, Venezuela, based on specimens collected on the host plant Passiflora foetida L. in an urban area of Maracaibo municipality. Identification was based on the analysis of morphological characters using specialized taxonomic keys. This finding represents a significant addition to the knowledge of the geographic distribution of the Tingidae family in Venezuela, extending the known range of C. carinata to the western region of the country.

Geographical distribution note of the species of Paracymus Thomson, 1867, from Venezuela (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae)

Mauricio García Ramírez — 2026-04-01

This research presents the geographical distribution of 50 species of Paracymus (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) inhabiting Venezuela, within a subregion, two biogeographical domains, and four provinces, following the Neotropical regionalization. The spatial distribution of these species represented on an attached map, which shows an extract of the Neotropical region from northern South America.

Instrucciones a los autores

Teresa Martínez Leones — 2026-04-01

Instructions for contributors

Teresa Martínez Leones — 2026-04-01