An Expansion of the Invasive Species Gussevia asota Kritsky, et al., 1989 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) In Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Authors: Kalpana KM, Gazala KM, Singh S, Chaudhary A*, Sharma B and Singh HS

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000570

Volume 7, Issue 2

Abstract

Non-native fish species and their parasites are a threat to aquatic ecosystems, posing a risk to inherited communities by diminishing biodiversity and causing severe commercial and public health impacts. Along with their fish hosts, monogenean parasites are often co-introduced into new areas. In the western part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, a range expansion for the non-native monogenean parasite was recorded. This study confirmed the co-introduction of the dactylogyrid, Gussevia asota Kritsky et al. (1989), into India with their fish host, the invasive Oscar, Astronotus ocellatus Agassiz, 1831. The present species were also distinguished based on molecular analysis of their 18S rDNA sequence and the haptoral parts and male copulatory organ. Phylogenetic analysis of G. asota showed that it clustered with other dactylogyrid species, supporting the contention that it co-introduced parasites, increasing the number of monogeneans acquired in Indian water.

Keywords: Non-Native Species; Fish; Molecular; India; Meerut

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