A redescription and new host record for Dactylogyrus nasutai Narba and Wangchu, 2015 (Platyhelminthes, Monogenea) from Arunachal Pradesh, India using high-resolution microscopy imaging

Abstract

Dactylogyrus spp. are monogenean ectoparasites that infect economically important fishes in aquaculture worldwide. Currently, over 900 nominal species of Dactylogyrus are known. Dactylogyrus nasutai, originally described from the cyprinid fish Garra nasuta in Arunachal Pradesh, India, is redescribed and illustrated based on high-resolution microscopy imaging of specimens collected from the gills of Garra annandalei. The results reveal previously undescribed morphological traits, such as the accessory piece having a slender tube with serrations along its length and a prominent hook-shaped distal extension and dorsal anchors with notable depressions at the bases and lateral expansion in their shafts. Garra annandalei is the first host record for a monogenean parasite and a new host record for Dactylogyrus nasutai. The results of this study clarify the morpho-taxonomic details that will allow an unambiguous identification of Dactylogyrus nasutai.