Distribution of two monogeneans gill parasites from Clarotes laticeps (Ruppell, 1829) in Bagoué river, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

The distribution of two monogeneans species, Protoancylodiscoides essetchii, and P. ivoiriensis, gill parasites of Clarotes laticeps (Ruppell, 1829) was studied in the Bagoue River. The parasites were collected and mounted according to each sector of the gill arch. The determination of the different monogeneans species was carried out using a binocular loupe and a microscope. 1584 P. essetchii and 576 P. ivoiriensis were collected. All monogenean parasites increased with the size of the fish. P. ivoiriensis were higher in female fish. No preference was observed in the distribution of parasite species relative to the left and right sides of the host. P. essetchii prefers the gill arches I, II, and III and the dorsal and medial segments. P. ivoiriensis was found on the gill arches IV and ventral segments. Also, these two monogenous species showed a negative correlation with the parasite density and condition factor of Clarotes laticeps.