Record of Monogenean Parasite Chauhanellus indicus in Freshwater Fishes Mystus seenghala and Clarias batrachus at Muzaffarnagar District (U.P.) India

Abstract

 Monogeneans, which are primarily ectoparasitic in nature, can seriously damage aquaculture systems, particularly when it comes to fish. 729 freshwater fish of the species Mystus seenghala and Clarias batrachus were gathered from various freshwater resources in the Indian district of Muzaffarnagar and examined for monogenean infestation. A total of 38 fish hosts yielded 130 monogeneans from the genus Chauhanellus (Dactylogyrus), with an overall prevalence of 5.21%. Different seasonal conditions affect the prevalence percentage of Dactylogyrus infection on fish hosts. Dactylogyrus members are oviparous (egg-laying) monogenean trematodes with two pairs of anchors for attachment to the fish host's skin and gills. Dactylogyrus can also be found on the fins and buccal cavity of fish with severe infections. The author of this paper used sketches and photomicrographs to examine the morphological details of the parasites. Measurement ranges are displayed in table form along with other authors' comparisons.