Integrative taxonomy approach to the study of parasitic ergasilids (Cyclopoida: Ergasilidae) of fishes from the Pardo River, Brazil with a redescription of Rhinergasilus piranhus Boeger and Thatcher, 1988 and a molecular phylogeny for Ergasilidae

Author(s)

Narciso, Rodrigo Bravin ; Smit, Nico J. ; Perbiche-Neves, Gilmar ; da Silva, Reinaldo Jose

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Parasitology; v. N/A, p. 24-pg., 2024-11-26.

Abstract

Brazil has the richest biodiversity of Ergasilidae on Earth, with 76 species in 19 genera.However, several authors suggested that there is still great potential for discoveries, especiallyregarding genetic data that are still scarce for ergasilids from this region. To expand ourknowledge of this taxon, we conducted an integrative study involving morphological (lightand scanning electron microscopy) and molecular analyses of ergasilids from fishes sampledin the Pardo River, S & atilde;o Paulo State, Brazil. Two ergasilid species were found,GamispatulusschizodontisandRhinergasilus piranhusparasitizing the nostrils of 5 fish species (nativeand exotic): (i)R. piranhusfromAstyanax lacustris;Cyphocharax modestus;Coptodonrendalli;Psalidodon bockmanni; and (ii)G. schizodontisfromSerrasalmus maculatus.Additionally, we redescribedR. piranhusherein based on novelties and discrepancies foundin the antennules, antennae, body segments and ornamentation of the swimming legs.Novel molecular data of ribosomal (18S and 28S rDNA) and/or mitochondrial (cox 1)genes were provided for both species and the phylogenetic relationships among the ergasilidswere tested. Relationships between species/genera are still uncertain in Ergasilidae, but it waspossible to verify the formation of 5 well-supported terminal clades-i.e. including a cladeformed only by Neotropical species. More molecular data are needed to test this hypothesis,but the clades observed here represent good targets for future taxonomic revisions. The occur-rence ofR. piranhusspecimens in the introduced fish,Co. rendallican indicate (for the firsttime) host switching in this parasite species and spillback from native to introduced hosts. (AU)

• 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
• 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