Checklist of Synodontella spp. (Monopisthocotylea, Dactilogyridae) gill parasites of Synodontis spp. (Pisces, Mochokidae), with the description of a new species
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A new Monopisthocotylea, Synodontella extensiocirrus n. sp. (Monopisthocotylea: Ancyrocephalidae), is described based on specimens collected from the gill filaments of Synodontis obesus (Pisces: Mochokidae) from downstream of the Sanaga River and Dibamba River, Littoral-Cameroon. Fish specimens were caught by gill nets. Parasites were dislodged from the gill filaments and mounted between a slide and coverslip in a drop of GAP mixture (Glycerin Ammonium-Picrate). Drawings of the sclerotized pieces were carried out using Coral Draw X4 software. The new species is distinguished from all congeners primarily by the morphology of the MCO, which features a penis widely open distally, with unique accessory pieces (cape-shaped) and a distinctive penis wall. The present new species described and herein illustrated brings to 18 the number of known species of Synodontella. Host specificity of Synodontella species is discussed; these parasites seem specific to their host. A key to Synodontella species is proposed.
Source: Probe-Plant & animal sciences.
DOI: 10.18686/ppas2288
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408500377