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Protistology 7 (3), 172-177 (2012)
Protistology
Three new species of Myxosporea (Bivalvulida), parasites of the gallbladder of scombrid fish, from the Bay of Bengal (Indian Ocean), West Bengal, India
Nirmal Kumar Sarkar
Department of Zoology, Rishi Bankim Chandra College, Naihati, West Bengal, India
Summary
We describe three new myxosporean species (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) Zschokkella scomberosis sp. n. and Thelohanelloides lomae sp. n. from the gallbladder of Scomberoides commersonianus (Scombridae), and Pseudalataspora misrae sp. n. from the gallbladder of Rastrelliger kanagurta (Scombridae), from West Bengal coast of the Bay of Bengal (Indian Ocean), India.
Key words: Myxosporea, Scombridae, Zschokkella, Pseudalataspora, Thelohanelloides, Scomberoides, Rastrelliger, the Bay of Bengal (Indian Ocean)
Introduction
The myxosporean species are coelozoic or histo-zoic (Lom and Dykova, 1992) infecting marine and freshwater fish, amphibians and reptiles (Lom and Dykova, 2006) throughout the world. Their life cycle requires an oligochaete intermediate host to complete development, although direct development or fish-to-fish transmission also occur (Diamant, 1997). Presently about more than 2200 myxosporean species are known (Fiala 2006; Lom and Dykova, 2006). In India, however, only about 200 species of myxosporea have been described (Tripathi, 1951; Lalithakumari, 1969; Narasinhamurti et al., 1990; Padma Dorothi et al., 1998; Sarkar, 2010; Singh and Kaur, 2012). While studying the diversity of myxosporea in fish inhabiting the Bay of Bengal (Indian Ocean), many species have been identified. The present investigation describes three new
species of genera Zschokkella (Auerbach, 1910), Pseudalataspora (Kovaleva and Gaevskaya, 1983), and Thelohanelloides (Sarkar, 2009).
Material and methods
Fishes were collected during 2008-20011 in the Bay of Bengal coast of West Bengal (87.32’N, 21.36’E) at Kakdwip of South 24-parganas district and at Digha of Midnapur district. Fish samples were preserved in ice chests until examination in the laboratory. Autopsies were taken from frozen fish and examined under the microscope for myxosporean infections. Squash preparations ofthe infected gallbladder and other organs were prepared. The spores and plasmodia were studied under the microscope with 100* oil objective, with a drop of Lugol’s iodine. All measurements were performed as
© 2012 The Author(s)
Protistology © 2012 Protozoological Society Affiliated with RAS
suggested by Lom and Arthur (1989). The minimum and maximum spore measurements are provided in micrometers (^m), followed by arithmetic mean and standard deviation in parentheses. Giemsa (Emark) was used for staining dry smears of tissues prefixed in absolute methanol. The figures were drawn with the aid of camera lucida and CorelDRAW 12.The micrographs were taken with Viviter equipment.
Results
Zschokkella scomberosissp. n. (Figs 1-3)
Vegetative and sporogonial stages: not observed.
Spores: mature spores were broadly ellipsoidal with round ends in valvular view and ellipsoidal in sutural view with acuminate ends; suture distinct, thick and elongated S-shaped, slightly sinuous; shell valves with many end-to-end fine striations; two polar capsules almost ovoid in sutural and spherical in valvular views, the polar filament in the capsule was indiscernible; but when extruded it was thick and measured about 36^m in length. Intercapsular spore cavity was filled with the uninucleate sporoplasm. Frozen spores measured 17.8 ± 1.42 (16.5—19.5) x 10.4 ± 1.43 (9—12) ^m; polar capsules 4.4 ± 0.54 (з.7—5.0) ^m in diameter, or 4.9 ± 0.87 (3.7—5.25) x 4.2 ± 0.59 (3—4.5) ^m, polar filaments 35.7 ± 5.43 (28.5—39.0) ^m in length, total number of frozen spores — 20.
Host: Scomberoides commersonnianus (Scombridae).
Site of infection: gallbladder.
Incidence: 2/53 (3.77%).
Locality: Kakdwip, 24 Parganas (South), Bay of Bengal coast of West Bengal, India.
Material: syntypes on slide No. MyxZk. 23, deposited to the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
Differential diagnosis (Table 1). The salient features of the present species, such as coelozoic localization, ellipsoid or broadly ellipsoid spores, S-shaped elongate suture, round polar capsule, and marine host, were similar to the features of Zschokkella Auerbach, 1910 (Lom and Dykova, 2006). So, the current species is placed in the genus Zschokkella Auerbach, 1910. The type species of the genus is Zschokkella hildae Auerbach, 1910 (Kudo, 1919). The morphometry, phylogeny and location of the type species have been extensively studied by Holzer et al. (2010). Among the known 68 Zschokkella spp. about seven species are relatively similar to the current Zschokkella sp. in the shape of
the spores and the polar capsules, and striations on shell valves. They are: Z. ilishae (12.36 x 6.18 ^m, Pc. 4.26 ^m) reported from Hilsa illisha from the Bay of Bengal (Chakravarty, 1943), Z. platistomusi (10.5-12.75 x 6.5-7.35 ^m, Pc. 2.8-3.5 ^m, Pf. 84 ^m long) reported from Tachysurus platystomus from the Bay of Bengal (Sarkar, 1987), Z. ganapatii (11.18-15.48 x 7.74-10.32 ^m, Pc. 2.58-4.3 ^m, Pf. 28-40 ^m long) reported from Liza macrolepis ofthe Bay of Bengal (Padma Dorothi and Kalavati, 1992), Z. cascasiensis(8.0-10.5 x 6.5-8.0 ^m, Pc. 3-4 ^m) reported from Sicamugil cascasia from the Bay of Bengal (Sarkar, 1995), Z. leptatherinae (13.0-17.0 x 9.5-14.0 ^m, Pc. 3.5-5.0 ^m, Pf. 18.0-34.0 ^m long) reported from Leptotherina presbyteroides from Tasmania (Su and White, 1995), Z. pseudosciaena (9.5-13.0 x 5.0-7.0 ^m, Pc. 3.5-4.5 ^m) reported from kidney tubules and ureter of Pseudosciaena coibor from the Bay of Bengal (Sarkar, 1996), Z. egyptica (12.5-15.0 x 9.5-11.0 ^m, Pc. 4.2-5.2 ^m) reported from Plotosus lineatus, Upeneus tragula from Red Sea (Ali et al., 2007), and Z. helmlii (10.0-11.0 x 7.0-8.0 ^m, Pc. 2.0-3.0 ^m) reported from Siganus rivulatus from Red Sea (Abdel-Gaffar et al., 2008). All the above mentioned Zschokkella spp. are dissimilar in size of spores and therefore distinctly different from the novel Zschokkella sp. having also slightly sinuous suture. Thus, the species under study was assigned to a new species and named Zschokkella scomberosis sp. n. The epithetic name is given after the host name.
Pseudalataspora misrae sp. n. (Figs 4-8)
Plasmodia: disporic.
Spores: asymmetrical, laterally elongated, with one end broadly round, another - gradually pointed and often terminally twisted, with parachutelike lateral projection on each shell valve; these projections dissimilar, one pointed and occasionally folded, while another broad and round; obliterated suture vertical; thin-walled polar capsules usually equal, ovoid, rarely round; binucleated sporoplasm indiscernible. Frozen unfixed spores and polar capsules measure 24.5 ± 1.41 (22.5-25.5) x 9.2 ± 0.71 (8.2-9.7) ^m and 4.2 ± 0.38 (3.7-4.5) x 4.0 ±
0.71 (3.0 - 4.5) ^m. Fixed and stained spores and polar capsules measure 20.7 ± 1.41 (18.7-21.7) x 8.2 ± 1.08 (6.7-9.0) and 4.2 ± 0.38 (3.0-4.5) x 3.8 ± 0.56 (3.0-4.2) ^m, total number of frozen spores - 20.
Host: Rastrelliger kanagurta (Scombridae).
Site of infection: gallbladder.
Incidence: 2/53 (3.8%).
Figs 1-12. New species of Myxosporea (Bivalvulida), parasites of the gallbladder of scombrid fish. 1-3 — Spores of Zschokkella scomberosis sp. n.: 1 — stained spore in valvular view showing striations, Giemsa staining, 2 — stained spore in sutural view with striations, Giemsa staining, 3 — frozen spore in valvular view, Lugol’s iodine; 4-8 — stained spores of Pseudalataspora misrae sp. n. in various views, Giemsa staining; 9-11— frozen spores of P. misrae in valvular views, Lugol’s iodine; 12 — stained spore of Thelohanelloides lomae sp. n. in side view, Giemsa staining. Scale bar: 10 ^m.
Locality: Digha, Midnapur, Bay of Bengal coast of West Bengal, India.
Material: syntypes on slide no. MyxZk. 23, deposited to the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
Differential diagnosis (Table 2). The studied species has elongated spores, membranous projection or parachute-like shell valves, two round to ovoid polar capsules. It is coelozoic (gallbladder) and infects a marine host. All these features characterize representatives ofthe genus Pseudalatasora Kovaleva and Gaevskaya, 1983. Therefore we assign the novel species to this genus. The present species most closely
resembles Pseudalataspora lophii Afonso-Dias et al., 2007 (21.6-28.8 x 7.2-10 pm) reported from the gallbladder of Lophius piscatorius from Northwest Scotland, P. beryxi Kovaleva and Gaevskaya, 1988 (5.3—6.5 x 14.6-19.95 pm) of Beryx splendens from Atlantic Ocean (cited from Afonso-Dias et al., 2007), P. meridionalis Kovaleva, Rodjuk and Grudnev, 2002 (6.7-9.5 x 14.6-19.95pm) of Notothenia rossii from Antarctic Ocean (cited from Afonso-Dias et al., 2007), P. squamifrons Kovaleva, Rodjuk and Grudnev, 2002 (5.3-6.7 x 19.9-21.3 pm) of Lepidonotothen squamifrons from Antarctic Ocean (cited from Afonso-Dias et al., 2007), P.
Table 1. Comparison of Zschokkella scomberosis sp. n. with other Zschokkella spp.*
Myxosporea (Host) Tissue Plasmodium Spore Polar capsule Locality
Zschokkella hildae Auerbach, 1910 (Phycis blennioides,Gadus spp.) Ub Mono, Di or Polysporic 16-29x13-18.0 5.6-7.2 Norway Atlantic Ocean
Z. ilishae Chakravarty, 1943 (Hilsa ilisha) Gb Disporic 12.36x6.18 4.26 Indian Ocean
Z. platistomusi Sarkar, 1987 (Tachysurus platystomus) Gb Disporic 10.5-12.75x6.5-7.35 2.8-3.5 The Bay of Bengal
Z. ganapatti Padma Dorothi et Kalavati, 1992 (Liza macrolepes) Gb Disporic 11.18-15.48x7.74-10.32 2.58-4.3 The Bay of Bengal
Z. cascasiensis Sarkar, 1995 (Sicamugil cascasia) Gb Disporic 8-10.5x6.5-8 3-4 The Bay of Bengal
Z. leptatherinae Su et White, 1995 (Leptotherina presbyteroides) Gb Disporic 13-17x9.5-14 3.5-5 Tasmania
Z. pseudosciaena Sarkar, 1996 (Pseudosciaena coibor) Kidney Ureter Disporic 9.5-13x5-7 3.5-4.5 The Bay of Bengal
Z. egyptica Ali et al., 2006 (Plotosus lineatus, Upeneus tragula) Gb Disporic 12.5-15x9.5-11 4.2-5.2 Red Sea
Z. helmlii Abdel-Gaffar et al., 2007 (Siganus rivulatus) Gb Disporic 10-11x7-8 2-3 Red Sea
Z. scomberosis sp. n. (Scomberoides commersonianus) Gb Disporic 16.5-19.5x9-12 3-4.5 The Bay of Bengal West Bengal
* Measurements in pm; abbreviations: Gb= Gall bladder, Ub= Urinary bladder.
pontica Kovaljova, Donec and Kolesnikova, 1939 (5.0-6.5 x 16.0-19.9 pm) of Liza aurata from Black Sea (cited from Afonso-Dias et al., 2007), P. indecora Kovalyova, Velev and Vladov, 1993 (3.3-4.7 x 13.4-20.0 pm) of Dentex angolensis from Atlantic Ocean, Africa (cited from Afonso-Dias et al., 2007) and P. scomberomorusi Sarkar, 2010 (6.0-7.8 x 16.5-21.5 pm) reported from the gallbladder of Scomberomorus sp. from the Bay of Bengal (Indian Ocean). However, the spores of all the Pseudalataspora spp. mentioned above, except P. lophii, are smaller, while spores of P. lophii are larger than those of the current species. The current species is therefore considered as a new species and designated as Pseudalataspora misrae sp. n. The epithetic name is given after Dr. Kamales Misra, a leading parasitologist in India.
Thelohanelloides commersoni sp. n. (Figs 9-12)
Plasmodia and sporogonic stages: not observed.
Spores: spherical to pyriform with sharply pointed and terminally bent polar capsule. Polar capsules have broad round base and sharply bent anterior end pointed terminally; coils of polar filament denser at the base and looser at the anterior end; number of coils of the polar filament not discernible; sporoplasm large and binucleated; no mucous envelope found around the spore.
Host: scomberoides commersonnianus (Scom-bridae).
Site of infection: gallbladder.
Incidence: 2/53 (3.7%).
Locality: Kakdwip, 24 Parganas (South), West Bengal, India.
Material: Syntypes on slide No. MyxTl, 23, deposited to the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
Differential diagnosis. The only species of the genus Thelohanelloides Sarkar, 2009 recorded so far, is T. bengalensis from the gallbladder of Arius sagor from the Bay of Bengal (Indian Ocean). Its characteristic features are: Thelohanellus-like spores with anteriorly bent polar capsule, ovoid to round extra spore cavity, coelozoic localization and internal development. The present myxoporean species having similar features warrants its placement in the genus Thelohanelloides Sarkar, 2009. Besides spore measurements, the current species differs from T. bengalensis by its retort-like polar capsule (side view) and different host fish. Moreover, one shell valve is flat, while the other shell valve is strongly concave in the side view. The current species therefore, is considered a new species and named Thelohanelloides lomae sp. n. The epithetic name is given in honor of renowned protistologist Dr. Jin Lom of Czech Republic.
Table 2. Comparison of Pseudalataspora misrae sp. n. with other Pseudalataspora spp.*
Myxosporea (Host) Spore Polar capsule Locality
Pseudalataspora beryxi Koveleva et Gaevskaya, 1988 (Beryx splendens) 14.6-19.95x5.3-6.65 1.5x1.5 Atlantic Ocean
P. indecora Kovaleva, Velev et Vladev, 1993 13.4-20x3.3-4.7 2x2 Atlantic Ocean
(Dentex angolensis)
P. insolita Kovaleva, Velev et Vladev, 1993 14.6-17.3x5.3-6 2x2 Atlantic Ocean
(Caranx rhonchus)
P. pontica Kovaleva, Donets et Kolesnikova, 1989 (Liza aurata) 16-19.9x5.5-6.5 3x2.7 Black Sea
P. scombri Kovaleva et Gaevskaya, 1983 (Scomber japonicus) 7.92-10.64x4.65-5.98 1.3-1.5x1.3-1.5 Southeast Pacific Ocean
P. atlantica Kovaleva, Velev et Vladev, 1993 34.6-42.5x6.7-10 3.3-4x3.3-4 Atlantic Ocean
(Chlorophthalmus agassizi)
P. originalis Aseeva, 2003 (Hippoglossoides dubius) 27-36x10-12 3.5-4x2.8-3 Sea of Japan
P. sebastei Bakay et Grudnev, 1998 (Sebastes marinus) 22.64x13.3 4.65x4.65 North Atlantic
P. squamifrons Kovaleva, Rodjuk et Grudnev, 2002 (Lepidonotothen squamifrons) 19.9-21.3x5.3-6.7 2-2.3x1.3 Atlantic Ocean
P. umbraculiformis Gaevskaya et Kovaleva, 1984 (Gaidropsarus mediterraneus) 14.6-17.3x8-9.3 2.7x2.7 Celtic Sea
P. lophii Afonso-Dias, Kalavati, Mackenzie et Machenzie, 2007 (Lophius piscatorius) 21.6-28.8x7.2-10 3.8-5.4x3-4 Northwest Scotland
P .misrae sp. n. (Rastrelliger kanagurta) 22.5-25.5x9-12 3.7-4.5x3-4.5 The Bay of Bengal Indian Ocean
* Measurements in pm; all Pseudalataspora spp are reported from Gall bladder (cited from Afonso-Dias et al., 2007).
Acknowledgements
Author expresses thanks to the Pricipal, R B C College for Lab. facilities and also thanks to Dr. D. Sarkar, Associate Professor of CEFT University, Ahamedabad, for going through the manuscript. Special thanks to the reviewer for necessary corrections and valuable comments.
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Address for correspondence: Nirmal Kumar Sarkar. 28 Mogaltuli Lane, Chinsurah 712101, Hooghly West Bengal, India; e-mail: nirmalsur2002@yahoo.com
