Marliese Truter1,2, Nico J Smit1, Wynand Malherbe1, Iva Přikrylová3,4. 1. Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa. 2. DSI/NRF Research Chair in Inland Fisheries and Freshwater Ecology, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa. 3. Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa. ivaprik@gmail.com. 4. Department of Biodiversity, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, DSI-NRF SARChI Chair (Ecosystem Health), University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa. ivaprik@gmail.com.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Parasites of the genus Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832, are predominantly parasites of freshwater and marine bony fishes. To date, 40 species of the genus have been described from Africa, with only 6 of these reported from South Africa. This represents only a small fraction of the known diversity of almost 500 species known worldwide. METHODS: In total, 43 of Straighhfin barb, Enteromius paludinosus were collected from Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, North West Province, South Africa. Monogenean parasites were isolated from the fins and fixed on microscope slides in ammonium picrate glycerine. Morphometric evaluation of opisthaptoral hard parts confirmed the identity of these specimens as a new species. RESULTS: The description of Gyrodactylus paludinosus sp. nov. is presented. The new species has well-developed, slightly curved superficial inner roots and well-developed rectangular-like ventral bar membrane. Despite the small differences between the hamuli size, it can be distinguished from its congeners, G. kyogae and G. ivindoensis, the only species known from small African barbs, by the shape of ventral bars and marginal hook sickle propers. CONCLUSION: The description of Gyrodactylus paludinosus n. sp. increases the total number of Gyrodactylus spp. known from African cyprinid fish to three. Undoubtedly, more attention should be given to studies on small barbs as potential hosts for new species.
INTRODUCTION: Parasites of the genus Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832, are predominantly parasites of freshwater and marine bony fishes. To date, 40 species of the genus have been described from Africa, with only 6 of these reported from South Africa. This represents only a small fraction of the known diversity of almost 500 species known worldwide. METHODS: In total, 43 of Straighhfin barb, Enteromius paludinosus were collected from Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, North West Province, South Africa. Monogenean parasites were isolated from the fins and fixed on microscope slides in ammonium picrate glycerine. Morphometric evaluation of opisthaptoral hard parts confirmed the identity of these specimens as a new species. RESULTS: The description of Gyrodactylus paludinosus sp. nov. is presented. The new species has well-developed, slightly curved superficial inner roots and well-developed rectangular-like ventral bar membrane. Despite the small differences between the hamuli size, it can be distinguished from its congeners, G. kyogae and G. ivindoensis, the only species known from small African barbs, by the shape of ventral bars and marginal hook sickle propers. CONCLUSION: The description of Gyrodactylus paludinosus n. sp. increases the total number of Gyrodactylus spp. known from African cyprinid fish to three. Undoubtedly, more attention should be given to studies on small barbs as potential hosts for new species.
Authors: Kevin W Christison; David B Vaughan; Andrew P Shinn; Haakon Hansen Journal: Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl Date: 2021-04-07 Impact factor: 2.674