Check list of Synodontella spp. (Monopisthocotylea, Dactilogyridae) gill parasites of Synodontis spp. (Pisces, Mochokidae), with the description of a new species

Abstract

A new Monopisthocotylea, Synodontella extensiocirrus n. sp. (Monopisthocotylea: Ancyroceaphalidae), is described based on specimens collected from the gills filament of Synodontis obesus (Pisces: Mochokidae) from downstream of Sanaga River and Dibamba River, Littoral-Cameroon. Fish specimens were caught by gills net. Parasites were dislodged from the gill filaments and mounted between slide and cover slide in a drop of GAP mixture (Glycerin Ammonium-Picrate). Drawings of the sclerotized pieces were carried out using Coral Draw X4 Software. The new species is distinguished from all congeners mainly by the morphology of the MCO, penis widely open at its distal extremity with particular shapes of accessory piece (cape-shaped) and one of the penis wall. The present new species which is described and herein illustrated brings to 18 the number of known species of Synodontella. Host specificity of Synodontella species is discussed, these parasites seem specific to their host. Key to Synodontella species is proposed.