Publication details
Species of Dermoergasilus Ho & Do, 1982 (Copepoda: Ergasilidae) from cichlid fishes in Madagascar
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| Year of publication | 2023 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | High levels of endemism, habitat loss and degradation have made Madagascar one of the planet’s biodiversity hotspots. The endemic species richness on this island, relative to landmass area, is unparalleled in the world with over 90 % of its fauna represented by endemic species. During our investigation of ectoparasitic crustaceans of an endemic cichlid Paretroplus polyactis (Bleeker, 1878) in the locality of the Canal des Pangalanes (at Andevoranto), Madagascar in 2016, a new species of Dermoergasilus was collected from the gills of 20 cichlid species. The species found was identified and described using combined morphological and molecular approach. Morphological determination was based on overall body shape, morphology of the cephalothorax and the ornamentation of antenna, antennule and swimming legs. Molecular characterization of species found was based on analysis of two ribosomal DNA markers (partial 28S rDNA and 18S rDNA). Obtained sequences of Malagasy species of Dermoergasilus represent the first molecular data for this region. However, phylogenetic relationships of the whole family Ergasilidae are still not well resolved and more representatives from more regions are required to provide a robust classification of this highly diverse group of copepods. |