Kidney myxosporean parasites in red drum Sciaenops ocellatus (Sciaenidae] from Florida, USA, with a description of Parvicapsula renalis n. sp

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Two species of myxosporean parasites were found In red drum Sciacnops ocellatus [L.) from Florida, USA. These species were located in the posterior kidney and are confirmed as Henneguya ocellata Iversen & Yokel 1963 and Parvicapsula renalis n. sp. Intraluminal developmental stages and mature spores of P renalis n. sp. were observed. In front view, mature spores were elongate (9.5 X 3.55 to 4.7 pm), asymmetrical and slightly curved, with one valve slightly larger than the other. The pyriform polar capsules (3.0 X 2.0 pm) pointed in towards each other and were situated in a raised 'head' region that appeared to be separated from the spore cavity by a 'membrane' The polar filaments had 5 to 8 evenly spaced coils.