Description and population dynamics ofDactylogyrus legionensisn.sp. fromBarbus barbus bocageiSteind

Abstract

ABSTRACTDactylogyrus legionensisn. sp., a monogenean parasite from the gills ofBarbus barbus bocageifrom the Esla river (León, NW Spain), is described and its population dynamics discussed. It differs from the closely related species,D. balistae, in the presence of vaginal armour and in the morphology of the copulatory organ.D. legionensiswas found on 30·40% of barbel, with a mean intensity of 13·71 and maximum infection levels in autumn-winter. The prevalence and intensity of infection rose significantly with the age and length of the barbel, and were higher in females than in males.D. legionensisshowed preference for the second and first gill arches, sector III and the internal zone of each hemibranch.