First Record of Schilbetrema (Monopisthocotyla: Dactylogyridae) from Schilbe depressirostris in South Africa

Abstract

The study presents a survey of monopisthocotylan parasites infecting Schilbe depressirostris in the northern region of South Africa. Fish specimens were collected from five different localities and examined for gill-infesting monopisthocotylans. To date, there have been no records of monopisthocotylans associated with this host species in South Africa. Across Africa, fourteen monopisthocotylan species of the genus Schilbetrema and two species of Schilbetrematoides have been reported from schilbeid hosts. In the present study, three species of Schilbetrema were identified, each showing varying levels of infestation: Schilbetrema quadricornis was found at all five localities; Schilbetrema acornis was recorded at four localities; and Schilbetrema undinula was detected at a single locality. Seasonal variation in infestation was not significant; however, infestation was positively correlated with host size.