Monogenoidea on Exotic Indian Freshwater Fish. 3. Are Indian Guidelines for Importation of Exotic Aquarium Fish Useful and can they be Implemented; The Case of Neotropical Gussevia spiralocirra Kohn and Paperna, 1964

Abstract

Gussevia spiralocirra , a Neotropical parasitic monogenoid (Platyhelminthes), has been recorded from the type host, freshwater angelfish Pterophyllum scalare (Cichlidae), collected from the post-quarantine populations in local aquarium markets of Lucknow and Itanagar, India. The finding establishes India as a geographical distribution record for G. spiralocirra , and more importantly, reveals a potentially serious breach of quarantine regulations of the country. The present communication provides a summary assessment of existing Indian guidelines for importation of exotic aquarium fish and highlights some of its major shortcomings.