Morphological and molecular characterization of the cryptic species Myxobolus cataractae n. sp. (Cnidaria: Myxozoa: Myxobolidae) parasitizing Imparfinis mirini (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae)

Author(s)

Dias Vieira, Diego Henrique Mirandola ; Narciso, Rodrigo Bravin ; da Silva, Reinaldo Jose

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Parasitology International; v. 88, p. 8-pg., 2022-02-16.

Abstract

We describe Myxobolus cataractae n. sp., found parasitizing Imparfinis mirini from Cachoeirinha stream, a tributary of Pardo River, Parana River basin, municipality of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. We based the description on myxospore morphology, histology, and small subunit ribosomal DNA partial sequences. Whitish and elongated mass of myxospores were found in gill filaments, occupying an intrafilamental position. The myxospores were slightly ellipsoidal and the morphometric measurements revealed a myxospore body length of 7.8 & PLUSMN; 0.4 pm; myxospore width of 5.9 & PLUSMN; 0.4 pm; and thickness of 3.9 & PLUSMN; 0.3 pm. The polar capsules are equal in size and measured 3.5 & PLUSMN; 0.2 pm in length and 1.7 & PLUSMN; 0.2 pm in width. The polar tubules had 6-7 coils. Myxobolus cataractae n. sp. is classified as the intrafilamental type and chondreal subtype by the histological analysis of gills. Phylogenetic analysis showed a well-supported subclade formed by species that parasitize gills of Siluriformes, with M. imparfinis as a sister species of Myxobolus cataractae n. sp. Using molecular and morphological characterization, this cryptic species was identified as a new species of the genus Myxobolus. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/05412-9 - Diversity, taxonomy and systematic of fish parasites from Pardo River, Middle Paranapanema River, São Paulo State
• Grantee: Reinaldo José da Silva
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/19060-0 - Systematic and distribution of myxozoans collected in fish from Pardo River, middle Paranapanema River, State of São Paulo
• Grantee: Diego Henrique Mirandola Dias Vieira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/26831-2 - Diversity and systematics of ergasilids parasites of fishes from Pardo River, Middle Paranapanema, São Paulo State
• Grantee: Rodrigo Bravin Narciso
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate