The first record of Macrogyrodactylus species (Monogenea, Gyrodactylidae) on freshwater fishes in Senegal with the description of Macrogyrodactylus simentiensis sp. nov., a parasite of Polypterus senegalus Cuvier

Abstract

The first record of monogenean parasites of the genus Macrogyrodactylus Malmberg, 1957 on freshwater fish in Senegal is presented. Macrogyrodactylus congolensis Prudhoe, 1957 from the skin and Macrogyrodactylus heterobranchii N'Douba et Lambert, 1999 from the gills of Clarias anguillaris L. were found, representing new host records for these parasites. On Polypterus senegalus Cuvier, three Macrogyrodactylus species were identified, Macrogyrodactyluspolypteri Malmberg, 1957, Macrogyrodactylus simentiensis sp. nov. and Macrogyrodactylus sp. M. simentiensis sp. nov. can be readily distinguished from the other Macrogyrodactylus species by the size of its hamuli and the shape of its marginal hook sickles. The marginal hooks on the anterolateral lobes of M. simentiensis differ in size and shape from those on the posterior margin of the haptor. Measurements and drawings of the haptoral sclerites of all five identified species are provided. © 2008 W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology, PAS.