Gyrodactylus parasites on african cichlids: A view on species diversity, distribution, interspecific relationship and ecological patterns
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| Year of publication | 2015 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Gyrodactylus von Nordmann, 1832 (Monogenea:Gyrodactylidae) includes highly diverse ubiquitous viviparous monogeneans. These ectoparasites feed on mucus and epithelial cells of host fishes that can induce hyperplasia of affected tissues and increase the potential of subsequent secondary infections. To date, 33 Gyrodactylus species from hosts originating from nine host families have been described in Africa, but at least two species should be regarded as invalid. The present study summarizes ongoing research on Gyrodactylus species parasitizing African cichlids with emphasis on its diversity using an integrative approach (molecular sequences supported by morphometrical analysis), distribution and ecological patterns in the host-parasite system taking into account diverse environmental factors. Our findings of 10 undescribed Gyrodactylus species on cichlid hosts in different part of Africa significantly extend the knowledge on these parasites in terms of species richness and distribution. The observed “diversity” of Gyrodactylus species on cichlids differs considerably between the host species. The highest number of species was observed from the invasive Oreochromis niloticus and commonly widespread Pseudocrenilabrus philander. The overlap in theirs habitats and distribution together with artificial spreading by humans undoubtedly contributed to the current situation. The phylogenetic analyses resulted in the clustering Gyrodactylus species sharing similarities in the morphological type of the hard parts of attachment organs. Species of one morpho-group can parasitize cichlids species of up to 5 tribes, and to date we have found Gyrodactylus species on cichlid hosts of 7 tribes. Our results show clear evidence for intensive host-switching in this Gyrodactylus-cichlids system. |
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