Description of Pallisentis (Brevitritospinus) punctati n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae) from Channa punctatus in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND: The genus Pallisentis is an endoparasitic acanthocephalan inhabiting the intestinal walls. Hooks and spines of the worm are significant taxonomical and adaptive tools. METHODS: The parasites were fixed, dehydrated and examined under Olympus BX 53 Microscope with DIC attachment, digital camera and CELLSENS imaging system [Light microscopy (LM)] and fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer, dehydrated, rotary-coated with gold palladium in NeoCoater 100–240V and examined in Neo JCM-6000 [scanning electron microscopy (SEM)]. RESULTS: P. punctati n. sp. (prevalence 65.51%; mean intensity 3–6 par/host) is described. Females almost twice as large as males; proboscis hooks small; collar spine rows similar [16] and constant in both sexes but number of spines per row greater in females [22] than males [14]; trunk spine rows 28–39 (spines per row 14–18) in females and 20–26 (spines per row 10–12) in males. spine length of females almost twice as long as males, spines extend up to posterior testis in males and ¾ of total body length in females, Saefftigen’s pouch present, nuclei in cement gland 10–11, seminal vesicle, bursa and egg size small. SEM indicated lack of micro sculptures, and spines embedded on pre-trunk and trunk. Sex-based differences apparent (hook sizes, greater number of spines per row and longer spines in pre-trunk and trunk of females). Male trunk spine was narrower and of lateral spine with characteristic hooked appearance. CONCLUSION: A new species of Pallisentis based on LM and SEM is described, sexual diversity in hook and spine structure is reported.