Markewitschiana agdazensis n. sp. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) from Cyprinids (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) in Morocco (Northern Africa): First Record and New Site of Infection

Abstract

abstract: We describe a monogenean species new to science belonging to Markewitschiana, a genus characterized by the absence of anchors. Markewitschiana agdazensis n. sp. parasitizes the gills of Luciobarbus pallaryi (Cyprinidae) in Morocco. The newly described species is characterized by the presence of 7 pairs of hooks; 1 pair of “ventral structures” resembling vestiges of anchors; bar cruciform-shaped; male copulatory organ a long tube, beginning with a bulb, accessory piece tubular and articulated at the base of the MCO; and sclerotized vagina elongated with enlarged opening. This is the first report of a species of Markewitschiana outside Asia and on the gills of its fish host; individuals of this genus are usually found in the nasal cavities of their hosts.