https://doi.org/10.33451/florafauna.v26i2pp336-342

A new nematode of the genus Rhabdochona (Rhabdochona) from Botia dario (ornamental fish) from Jiri River, Jiribam, Manipur, India

^*R.K. Sanachaoba Singh, Ch. Dheinabi Devi and R.K. Gambhir

Parasitology Section,
Centre of Advanced Studies in Life Sciences,
Manipur University,
CANCHIPUR-795003, IMPHAL (MANIPUR) INDIA
*Corresponding Author : Email : rksanasingh3009@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

During a taxonomic study of parasites of freshwater fishes, three new gravid female nematodes of the genus Rhabdochona were recovered from the intestine of a freshwater fish, Botia dario caught from Jiri River. Detail study revealed the specimen as a medium-sized nematode, tapering at both ends with finely striated cuticle, 14 anterior teeth in the funnel-shaped prostome, vulva post-equatorially open, vagina muscular, posteriorly directed with an ovejector, eggs oval, thinshelled and embryonated , tail tip conoidly pointed. Thus, the present species is assigned to the genus Rhabdochona. Prevalence and intensity of infection is 20% (1/5) and 3(3/1) parasite per host, respectively. Comparing the relative characteristics of the two conspecies, the present species closely resembles Rhabdochona (Rhabdochona) acuminata. It differs in a few aspects such as the longer oesophagus, more anteriorly located excretory pore, longer vagina, thin-shelled eggs but smooth-shelled eggs in R.(R) acuminata, conoidly pointed tail tip but bluntly ended in R. (R.) acuminata. Based on these distinguishing characters the present species is described as a new species giving the name Rhabdochona (Rhabdochona) jiribamensis n. sp.

Key words : Botia dario, Jiri River, R. jiribamensis.