Myxosporean parasites of the genus Myxobolus from Mugil cephalus in Ichkeul lagoon, Tunisia: Description of two new species

Abstract

Four species of the genus Myxobolus Bütschli, 1882 were recorded from Mugil cephalus in Ichkeul lagoon in northern Tunisia. Myxobolus episquamalis Egusa, Maeno & Sorimachi, 1990 was identified as infecting scales. Myxobolus spinacurvatura Maeno, Sorimachi, Ogawa & Egusa, 1990 was identified as parasitizing the mesenteric vessels. Myxobolus bizerti n. sp. was discovered in the gill filaments, while Myxobolus ichkeulenste n. sp. was found in the gill arches. Data concerning morphology, dimensions, scanning electron micrographs of the spores and ultrastructure of pansporoblast are presented.