Two new and two already known species of genus Thelohanellus Kudo, 1933 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) infecting Indian major carp fishes in Punjab wetlands (India)

Abstract

A survey of parasites of freshwater fishes in Harike, Kanjali and Ropar wetland of Punjab (India) revealed the presence of two new and two already known myxosporean species belonging to the genus Thelohanellus Kudo, 1933 parasitizing fins and gills respectively. Spores of the first species, T. kalavatae n. sp. measure 11.5×4.9μm, elongately oval in valvular view having rounded blunt anterior end and rounded posterior end with lateral walls almost parallel to each other. Polar capsule is globular in shape and measure 5.2×3.3μm in size. Anterior end of the polar capsule terminate into a small distinct neck. Spores of the second species, T. kalbensi n. sp. measure 9.5×4.9μm, egg shaped to ovoid in valvular view having narrower anterior end with a prominent pore and broad rounded posterior end. Polar capsule is globular in shape with a short distinct tubular neck, measure 4.8×3.16μm and occupies almost two-third of the spore body cavity. Spores of third species, T. avijiti Basu and Haldar, 2003 measure 10.1×6.6μm, egg shaped in valvular having tapering, bluntly pointed anterior end and broad rounded posterior end. Polar capsule is rounded to sub-spherical in shape, measure 3.3×3.0μm and is situated anteriorly. Spores of fourth species, T. gangeticus Tripathi, 1952 measure 13.3×4.8μm, elongately pyriform in valvular view having tapering anterior end and rounded posterior end. Polar capsule is also elongately pyriform in shape measure 6.6×3.1μm with thin neck and occupy half of the spore body cavity.