Special Description of Pallisentis (Brevitritospinus) allahabadii Agarwal 1958 (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae) from Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793) by Scanning Electron Microscope

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological features of acanthocephalans isolated from Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793). Methods: Fishes collected alive from fish farms in Nadia District of West Bengal (India) were dissected for collection of acanthocephalans. Parasites isolated from intestine were fixed in formalin-aceto-alcohol and finally preserved in 70% ethanol for light microscopic studies and in 2.5% glutaraldehyde for scanning electron microscopy. Results: The morphological characteristics of adult acanthocephalans were found to be similar to the original descriptions describing the basic characters of proboscis hooks, the spines of the collar and trunk region, and cement gland nuclei. New taxonomic characters were identified for the first time by scanning electron microscopy. Conclusion: The acanthocephalan Pallisentis (Brevitritospinus) allahabadii Agarwal 1958 was described as an important parasite infecting fishes. The prevalence of the parasite was 23% and its adult stage was observed.