Abstract
The genus Pallisentis has been mostly found among the freshwater fishes of Channidae family. Pallisentis ophiocephali is characterized with some unique characters of proboscis, hooks, and spines. However, initial description is a little sketchy and yet not updated. The present study communicates the detail morphology of an acanthocephalan species obtained from two host fishes of Channidae family—Channa striatus and Channa punctatus—during a one-year survey from different places of Hooghly District, West Bengal. The parasite is examined under light microscope as well as under scanning electron microscope. Unique four hook circles with different sizes, collar, and trunk spines, male and female genital organs are described for taxonomic study. Scanning electron microscopic study also provides the detailed information about the surface topography including longitudinal muscle, retractor muscles, and posterior ends. Comparing the studied specimen with other closely related species, the present acanthocephalan specimen has been identified as P. ophiocephali from Channa striatus. The retractable nature of proboscis has also been studied from the live specimens with the help of light microscope.
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