A Monogenean Gill Parasite within the Genus Haliotrema (Ancyrocephalidae) Infecting Argyrops filamentosus Fish: Morphology and Molecular Studies

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Fish products are a significant source of animal protein; however, they can also include various parasites, including monogeneans. All parasitic infections may spread indirectly and have an impact on human health. Many monogenean species have not yet been morphologically described. Scientists made an effort to investigate these parasites using molecular tools and the most effective genetic marker, large subunit ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA). The taxonomic position of the recovered species is confirmed by considering morphological and molecular data. ABSTRACT: Due to the presence of different parasite taxa and other disease-causing agents, all fish species are extremely prone to dangers. As a result, the current study focused on some of the monogenean parasites that infect one of the economically important fish species, the soldier bream Argyrops filamentosus, from the Red Sea coast of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Following that, thirty A. filamentosus fish specimens were examined for monogenean parasites. The parasitic species were isolated and morphologically and molecularly studied. The presence of one monogenean species of Haliotrema susanae (F: Ancyrocephalidae) infecting gills was observed in 50% of the investigated fish species. The ancyrocephalid species Haliotrema susanae is characterized by having all generic features within the genus Haliotrema. It could be distinguished from other species within this genus by the male copulatory organ including a copulatory tube with no accessory piece and a haptor made up of two pairs of anchors, two bars, and seven pairs of marginal hooks. As ectoparasitic taxa of the investigated sparid fish, the current study of Haliotrema species constitutes the first report of this genus. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the partial 28S rRNA gene region was analyzed to investigate the phylogenetic affinity of this parasite with the genus Haliotrema belonging to Ancyrocephalidae. This study considers the addition of a new genetic sequence for this parasite species.