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Review of the metazoan parasites of the economically and ecologically important African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus in Africa: Current status and novel records. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 119:65-222. [PMID: 36707175 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
One of the most widely distributed African freshwater fish is the African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) that is naturally distributed in 8 of the 10 ichthyofaunal regions of this continent. Clarias gariepinus is a highly valued and cheap staple to local communities and an ideal aquaculture species. Consequently, interest in the parasitic communities of C. gariepinus has increased as parasites may accidentally be ingested by humans when eating uncooked fish or can be introduced into culture systems through fish stocks supplied from local rivers which affect yield, growth, and marketability. This review provides an overview of the ∼107 metazoan parasite species known to parasitise C. gariepinus in Africa and their general life cycles, morphology, paratenic and post-cyclic infections, and the biogeography and validity of records are discussed. A brief overview is included on the application of some of these parasites in environmental studies and their link to human health.
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HODDA M. Phylum Nematoda: trends in species descriptions, the documentation of diversity, systematics, and the species concept. Zootaxa 2022; 5114:290-317. [DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5114.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
This paper summarizes the trends in nematode species description and systematics emerging from a comparison of the latest comprehensive classification and census of Phylum Nematoda (Hodda 2022a, b) with earlier classifications (listed in Hodda 2007). It also offers some general observations on trends in nematode systematics emerging from the review of the voluminous literature used to produce the classification. The trends in nematodes can be compared with developments in the systematics of other organisms to shed light on many of the general issues confronting systematists now and into the future.
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Ailán-Choke LG, Pereira FB. Deep in the systematics of Camallanidae (Nematoda): using integrative taxonomy to better understand the phylogeny and consistency of diagnostic traits. Parasitology 2021; 148:962-974. [PMID: 33934728 PMCID: PMC11010166 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Due to conflicts between classic and molecular systematics of Camallanidae, different data types were used for the first time, to better understand the evolutionary history and taxa consistency within this family. Genetic [18S and 28S rDNA; cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mtDNA], morphological and life history traits were used to infer phylogenies using Bayesian inference, reconstructed from separated and concatenated datasets. The consistency of tree and morphological traits was evaluated using the consistency index. Characters were mapped on the trees and the phylogenetic informativeness of genetic markers was estimated. Phylogenetic informativeness of 18S provided better resolution for outer nodes, COI for inners and 28S had an intermediate profile. New sequences for two camallanid species were obtained. Phylogenies of genetic and concatenated data largely agreed, showing more divergence in the COI dataset, due to its higher mutation rate vs stable morphology for diagnosing higher taxa. No genus sustained monophyly. The lack of autapomorphy and phylogenetic proximity supported the partition of Batrachocamallanus as synonym of Procamallanus and Spirocamallanus, which should not be considered as subgenera. Although traits of buccal capsule, male tail, habitat, host and biogeographic were highly consistent, intrinsic patterns varied according to different taxa assemblages. Morphological systematics of Camallanidae, based on buccal capsule, is artificial for certain taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena G. Ailán-Choke
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto para el Estudio de la Biodiversidad de Invertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4400 Salta, Argentina
| | - Felipe B. Pereira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Svitin R, Truter M, Kudlai O, Smit NJ, du Preez L. Novel information on the morphology, phylogeny and distribution of camallanid nematodes from marine and freshwater hosts in South Africa, including the description of Camallanus sodwanaensis n. sp. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 10:263-273. [PMID: 31692735 PMCID: PMC6806417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Four species of previously known nematodes from the family Camallanidae were found from different hosts in South Africa: Batrachocamallanus xenopodis from the frog Xenopus muelleri, Paracamallanus cyathopharynx and Procamallanus pseudolaeviconchus from the catfish Clarias gariepinus and Spirocamallanus daleneae from the catfish Synodontis zambezensis. In the material collected from various marine fishes, several specimens of nematodes from the genus Camallanus clearly differed from all previously known species. Based on morphological differences these specimens are assigned to a new species, C. sodwanaensis. Molecular data of 18S and 28S rDNA and COI sequences are provided for the collected species and a phylogenetic analyses based on 28S gene fragmets are presented. Five species of Camallanidae nematodes found from different hosts in South Africa. Camallanus sodwanaensis n. sp. is the first species from marine fish in Southern Africa. Molecular data of 18S and 28SrDNA and COI sequences provided for found species. Phylogenetic analyses based on 28S gene fragmets is performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Svitin
- African Amphibian Conservation Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.,South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Somerset Street, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.,Department of Invertebrate Fauna and Systematics, I.I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS of Ukraine, 15 B. Khmelnytskogo str., 01030, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Marliese Truter
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.,DST/NRF Research Chair in Inland Fisheries and Freshwater Ecology, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Olena Kudlai
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Nico J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Louis du Preez
- African Amphibian Conservation Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.,South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Somerset Street, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
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Ailán-Choke LG, Davies DA, Tavares LER, Pereira FB. An integrative taxonomic assessment of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) huacraensis (Nematoda: Camallanidae), infecting the freshwater catfish Trichomycterus spegazzinii (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) in Argentina. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2819-2829. [PMID: 31463595 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06429-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) huacraensis infecting the catfish Trichomycterus spegazzinii from Escoipe River, Salta province (Argentina), is redescribed and genetically characterised for the first time, based on three genetic markers (nuclear 18S and 28S rRNA; cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [cox1] mtDNA). The phylogeny of Camallanidae was also discussed. Morphological evaluation of P. (S.) huacraensis using light and scanning electron microscopy revealed the previously undescribed features: location of deirids, accurate morphology of larvae (L1) and ovijector in females, as well as phasmids in males. Differences were found comparing the newly collected material and the type specimens, probably because the original description lacked detailing. Unfortunately, type specimens of P. (S.) huacraensis were no available for loan. The results of morphological and genetic analyses supported the validity of P. (S.) huacraensis. Inconsistencies regarding the taxonomic identification of species of Camallanidae in GenBank database were noted. Based on the current genetic database of Camallanidae, phylogenetic reconstructions using the 18S rRNA sequences were most consistent, due to the inclusion of higher number of taxa. Procamallanus (S.) huacraensis appeared as sister group of P. (S.) rarus, also isolated from a catfish in a neighbouring region. The order and habitat of hosts were also similar within some well-supported parasite lineages, but without common geographic origin. However, it is still premature to make definitive affirmations regarding the role of such features in the phylogenetic patterns of Camallanidae, given the scarcity of genetic data. The phylogenetic reconstructions also confirmed the artificiality of the morphology-based systematics of the family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena G Ailán-Choke
- Instituto para el Estudio de la Biodiversidad de Invertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, (4400), Salta, Argentina
| | - Dora A Davies
- Instituto para el Estudio de la Biodiversidad de Invertebrados, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, (4400), Salta, Argentina
| | - Luiz E R Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Costa e Silva s/n°,, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe B Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Costa e Silva s/n°,, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil.
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Redescription and first genetic characterisation of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) macaensis Vicente & Santos, 1972 (Nematoda: Camallanidae), including re-evaluation of the species of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) from marine fishes off Brazil. Syst Parasitol 2017; 94:657-668. [DOI: 10.1007/s11230-017-9728-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Moravec F, Scholz T. Some nematodes, including two new species, from freshwater fishes in the Sudan and Ethiopia. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2017; 64. [PMID: 28402283 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2017.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fourteen species (twelve adult and two larval) of nematodes belonging to the Ascaridoidea, Camallanoidea, Cosmocercoidea, Habronematoidea, Oxyuroidea, Seuratoidea and Trichinelloidea were collected from fishes in the Sudan (River Nile and Atbara Dam Lake), whereas only four species (one adult and three larval) of the Ascaridoidea, Camallanoidea, Dioctophymatoidea and Trichinelloideafrom fishes in Ethiopia (Lake Tana). The Sudanese material also contained two previously unknown species, Cucullanus mormyri sp. n. from Mormyrus caschive Linnaeus (type host), Mormyrus sp. and Marcusenius cyprinoides (Linnaeus) (all Mormyridae), and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pseudospiralis sp. n. from Synodontis schall (Bloch et Schneider) (type host), S. frontosus Vaillant and S. nigrita Valenciennes (all Mochokidae), which are described based on light and scanning electron microscopical studies. Cucullanus baylisi Campana-Rouget, 1961, a little-known parasite of Synodontis spp., is redescribed in detail. A key to Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) spp. from African inland fishes is provided. Falcaustra guiersi Vassiliadès, 1973 is considered a junior synonym of F. hexapapillata (Khalil, 1962). The findings represent several new host and geographical records. Cucullanus baylisi Lakshmi, 2000 (= a homonym to C. baylisi Campana-Rouget, 1961) is re-named as C. dubius nom. n. and is considered a species inquirenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frantisek Moravec
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Scholz
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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Vanhove MPM, Hablützel PI, Pariselle A, Šimková A, Huyse T, Raeymaekers JAM. Cichlids: A Host of Opportunities for Evolutionary Parasitology. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:820-832. [PMID: 27595383 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to high species diversity and a broad range of speciation mechanisms, cichlid fishes represent a textbook model in evolutionary biology. They are also of substantial economic value. Despite this importance, cichlid parasites remain understudied, although some are more diverse than their hosts. They may offer important insights into cichlid evolution and the evolution of host-parasite interactions. We review five major lines of research conducted on cichlid parasites so far: the study of parasite diversity and speciation; the role of parasites in cichlid diversification; the evolutionary ecology of host specificity; historical biogeography; and biological invasions. We call for more research in these areas and suggest approaches to valorise the potential that cichlid parasites hold for the study of evolutionary parasitology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten P M Vanhove
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Biology Department, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, CZ-611 37 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pascal I Hablützel
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antoine Pariselle
- Institut des Sciences de l'Évolution, IRD-CNRS-Université de Montpellier, CC 063, Place Eugène Bataillon, F-34095 Montpellier cedex 05, France
| | - Andrea Šimková
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, CZ-611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tine Huyse
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Biology Department, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Joost A M Raeymaekers
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Leuven, Charles Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway
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Moravec F, Van As LL. Studies on ascaridid, oxyurid and enoplid nematodes (Nematoda) from fishes of the Okavango River, Botswana. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [PMID: 26278193 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Based on light and scanning electron microscopical studies, eight species (five adult and three larval) of nematodes belonging to the Ascaridida, Oxyurida and Enoplida were collected from fishes of the Okavango River, Botswana, namely Falcaustra similis Moravec et Van As, 2004, Atractidae gen. sp. (only female) (both Cosmocercoidea), Cucullanus sp. (only female) (Seuratoidea), Cithariniella longicaudata sp. n., Synodontisia annulata sp. n. (both Oxyuroidea), Contracaecum sp. third-stage larvae, third-stage larvae of Galeiceps sp. (both Ascaridoidea) and Eustrongylides sp. fourth-stage larvae (Dioctophymatoidea). The new species Citharinella longicaudata (type host Schilbe intermedius Rüppel) is mainly characterised by the shape and size of cephalic papillae and the spicule 108 µm long, and Synodontisia annulata (type host S. intermedius) by the shape of cephalic papillae, body length of gravid females (4.88-5.33 mm) and a short spicule (66 µm long). The female specimen of Cucullanus sp. from Tilapia sparmanni Smith markedly differs from congeners parasitising inland fishes in Africa by the elongate pseudobuccal capsule and by the excretory pore far posterior to the oesophago-intestinal junction; apparently, it belongs to an undescribed species. Galeiceps larvae parasitising fishes are described for the first time. Cithariniella gonzalezi Van Waerebeke, Chabaud, Bain et Georges, 1988 is considered a junior synonym of C. khalili Petter, Vassiliadès et Troncy, 1972, and the previous records of Cithariniella citharini Khalil, 1964 from Synodontis spp. in Egypt concern, in fact, Cithariniella khalili Petter, Vassiliadès et Troncy, 1972. The specimens of Cithariniella reported by Koubková et al. (2010) from Paradistichodus dimidiatus (Pellegrin) in Senegal and misidentified as C. gonzalesi Van Waerebeke, Chabaud, Bain et Georges, 1988 are considered to represent a new species, C. koubkovae sp. n.; this is established by reference to the description and drawings provided by Koubková et al. (2010).
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Affiliation(s)
- Frantisek Moravec
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Liesl L Van As
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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van As JG. A brief history of freshwater fish parasitology in southern Africa. AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2015.1053409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Moravec F, Jirků M. Two Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) species (Nematoda: Camallanidae) from freshwater fishes in the Lower Congo River. Acta Parasitol 2015. [PMID: 26203989 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2015-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Based on light and scanning electron microscopical studies, one known and one previously undescribed Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) species (Nematoda: Camallanidae) are described from specimens collected in the intestine of freshwater fishes in the Lower Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo: P. (S.) daleneae (Boomker 1993) from Synodontis acanthomias Boulenger (Mochokidae, Siluriformes) (new host and geographical records) and P. (S.) parachannae sp. nov. from Parachanna insignis (Sauvage) (Channidae, Perciformes). The new species is most similar to P. (S.) serranochromis Moravec et Van As 2015, a parasite of African cichlids (Serranochromis spp.), differing from it mainly in the absence of any outgrowths on the female tail tip, a distinctly longer (546 μm) right spicule, a different length ratio of both spicules (1:2.6) and in the morphology of fourth-stage larvae. P. (S.) daleneae, a specific parasite of squeakers (Synodontis spp.), is redescribed; in contrast to the original description, the number of postanal papillae was found to be identical (6 pairs) with that of other related species.
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Moravec F, Van As LL. Studies on some spirurids (Nematoda: Spirurida) from fishes of the Okavango River, Botswana. Syst Parasitol 2015; 91:119-38. [PMID: 25962460 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-015-9565-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Based on light and scanning electron microscopical studies, three adult spirurid nematode species, Camallanus (Zeylanema) ctenopomae Vassiliadès & Petter, 1972, Paracamallanus cyathopharynx (Baylis, 1923) (both Camallanidae) and Spinitectus polli Campana-Rouget, 1961 (Cystidicolidae), are redescribed from specimens collected in fishes of the Okavango River, Botswana: C. (Z.) ctenopomae from Ctenopoma sp. (Anabantidae), P. cyathopharynx from Clarias stappersi Boulenger, C. theodorae Weber (both new hosts, Clariidae) and C. gariepinus (Burchell), as well as S. polli from Synodontis nigromaculatus Boulenger (new host, Mochokidae). Moreover, spirurid larvae of an additional three species were found in fishes from the same locality: Rhabdochona paski Baylis, 1928 fourth-stage larva (Rhabdochonidae) in S. nigromaculatus (Mochokidae), Physalopteridae gen. sp. 1 third-stage larva in C. gariepinus (Clariidae) and Physalopteridae gen. sp. 2 third-stage larva in Serranochromis angusticeps (Boulenger) (Cichlidae), all representing new host and geographical records. Spinitectus zambezensis Boomker, 1993 is considered a junior synonym of S. polli.
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Affiliation(s)
- František Moravec
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic,
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Moravec F, Van As LL. Procamallanus (Procamallanus) spp. (Nematoda: Camallanidae) in fishes of the Okavango River, Botswana, including the description of P. (P.) pseudolaeviconchus n. sp. parasitic in Clarias spp. (Clariidae) from Botswana and Egypt. Syst Parasitol 2015; 90:137-49. [PMID: 25655113 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-014-9541-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Parasitological dissections of fishes from the Okavango River, Botswana, revealed the presence of nematodes of the subgenus Procamallanus (Procamallanus) Baylis, 1923 in five fish species belonging to three different families. Based on light and scanning electron microscopical examinations, they proved to represent one previously known and one new species, i.e. P. (P.) laeviconchus (Wedl, 1861) from Synodontis nigromaculatus Boulenger, S. thamalakanensis Fowler (new host) (both Mochokidae) and Schilbe intermedius Rüppel (new host) (Schilbeidae), and P. (P.) pseudolaeviconchus n. sp. from Clarias stappersi Boulenger and C. theodorae Weber (both Clariidae). Specimens of the new species previously collected from Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) (type-host) in Egypt were also examined. Both of these nematode species are very similar, differing from each other mainly in the shape of the circumoral flange, which is conspicuously lobed in P. laeviconchus and unlobed in P. pseudolaeviconchus. Previously, these two species have been confused in the literature under the name P. laeviconchus. A key to Procamallanus (Procamallanus) spp. parasitising freshwater fishes in Africa, including Madagascar, is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- František Moravec
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic,
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