First report of Dactylogyrus fimbriphallus (El Gharbi, Birgi & Lambert, 1994) infecting Luciobarbus biscarensis (Boulenger, 1911) in Oued Tadmit River of Djelfa Governorate (Algeria)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of dactylogyrid communities in Sahara barbel, Luciobarbus biscarensis (Boulenger, 1911), an endemic species to Algeria, according to season and host factors. A total of 78 samples of L. biscarensis were collected seasonally, over four seasons from 2023 to 2024, from Oued Tadmit River in Djelfa Governorate with the help of local fishermen. Thirty-three L. biscarensis were infected with one or more individuals of dactylogyrid parasites (42.31%), and a total of 306 individuals were recorded. All monogenean species collected from the gills of the host fish were identified based on the presence of the following morphometric characteristics: two pairs of anchors, dorsal bar, ventral bar, vaginal armament and copulatory tube. Only one Dactylogyrus species, Dactylogyrus fimbriphallus (El Gharbi, Birgi & Lambert, 1994), was found on the gills. The mean intensity and abundance were 9.27 +/- 12.50 parasites per fish and 3.92 +/- 9.28, respectively. The infection levels of D. fimbriphallus were also investigated in relation to length and sex of the host fish as well as seasons, and the differences in its prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance were statistically evaluated. There were significant differences in prevalence, mean intensity and abundance values between seasons. The infestation rate was higher in female hosts than in males. The host fish represents a new host record for D. fimbriphallus and new insights into the geographical distribution and host range have been gained. This study highlights the need for further research on helminth parasites, particularly monogeneans, affecting Algerian freshwater fishes, given the limited existing data.