Critical add-on SEM observations on oral armature and life cycle of raphidascaridoid worm, Indospinezia multispinatum Jaiswal and Malhotra (2017)

Abstract

Additional observations of taxonomic significance with unique life cycle details were recorded after the publication of specialized liver-inhabiting roundworms, Indospinezia multispinatum Jaiswal and Malhotra (2017) in the Gangetic gar-fish, Xenentodon cancila from Prayagraj riverine ecosystems. Typically strong musculature supporting triangularly placed one dorsal and two ventro-lateral lips has been observed and their characteristics recorded. The muscular complement that comprised each of the 3 lips, was 3-layered, each of which was stacked one over the other, around a medial furrow. The 2nd stage larva armed with cephalic tooth was the specific discovery which was extracted by Pepsin Digestion method, during compilation of various larval stages that made up complete life-cycle of the roundworm under study. Presumption based conclusions derived on larval stages in the life cycle of Goezia bangladeshi by Akther,1 et al led to erroneous interpretations and hence made the taxonomic position of Goezia bangladeshi circumspect unless appropriate larvae are studied. Therefore, Goezia bangladeshi is termed as species inquirendae pending complete description of its larvae.