On some ultrastructural features of the reproductive system of the monogenean parasite Macrogyrodactylus congolensis from Clarias gariepinus inhabiting the River Nile in Egypt.

Abstract

Some organs of the reproductive system of the protogynous monogenean skin parasite Macrogyrodactylus congolensis (Prudhoe, 1957) Yamaguti, 1963 have been studied using transmission electron microscopy. The vesicula seminalis is enclosed by a prominent layer of circular muscle fibres and has inner syncytial protrusions. The penis bulb is a highly muscular organ with prominent radial and circular muscle fibres, a gutter-shaped large spine and 16 small spines. Two syncytial male accessory glands, and a single reservoir for male accessory secretion were identified. The secretory bodies in the male accessory glands and male accessory reservoir have a unique structure. A large oocyte is situated in a chamber, previously referred to as the "ootype" or "egg-cell-forming region" (ECFR), which also contains one or two small undifferentiated cells and vacuolated tissue. Mature spermatozoa were abundant in the receptaculum seminis and dispersed in the vacuolated tissue in the ECFR and appeared to be attached to the membrane of the large oocyte. Mature spermatozoa were also seen in the parenchymal tissue near the chamber containing embryos and even in the tissues of the embryo.