Taxonomic Description and Morphological Differentiation of Pallisentis Armatai SP. NOV. (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae) from a Freshwater 0528 Host in Sindh, Pakistan

Jemi; Nadir Ali Birmani; Naheed Baloch

Taxonomic Description and Morphological Differentiation of Pallisentis Armatai SP. NOV. (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae) from a Freshwater 0528 Host in Sindh, Pakistan

Authors

Jemi Department of Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan
Nadir Ali Birmani Department of Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan
Naheed Baloch Department of Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan

Keywords:

Pallisentis armatai sp.nov., Freshwater fish Tire-track Eel, , Mastacembelus armatus, , Pakistan

Abstract

The present study describes a new species of acanthocephalan parasite, Pallisentis armatai sp. nov. (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae), recovered from the intestine of the freshwater fish Mastacembelus armatus collected from Chotiary Reservoir, Sanghar District, Sindh, Pakistan. Out of fifty examined hosts, seven were found infected, yielding ten adult specimens. An elongated, spinose body characterises the new species; a globular proboscis armed with four circular rows, each bearing sixteen hooks; a short neck; unequal lemnisci; unequal testes with the anterior testis larger than the posterior; cylindrical cement glands; an elongated cement reservoir; a pyriform Saefftigen’s pouch; and a well-developed bursa in males. Females possess thirteen collar spine rows, forty-four trunk spine rows, numerous ovarian balls, and elongated eggs containing fully developed embryos. Detailed morphometric analysis and comparative evaluation with all known congeners reveal distinct differences in proboscis armature, collar and trunk spine arrangement, reproductive structures, and egg dimensions. The combination of these diagnostic features clearly distinguishes Pallisentis armatai sp. nov. from previously described species of the genus, including those reported from Pakistan and neighbouring regions. The present finding also represents a new host record for the genus Pallisentis. This study contributes to the growing knowledge of acanthocephalan diversity in South Asia and emphasises the importance of continued parasitological surveys in freshwater ecosystems.

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Taxonomic Description and Morphological Differentiation of Pallisentis Armatai SP. NOV. (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae) from a Freshwater 0528 Host in Sindh, Pakistan