Article
Zoology
Nico J. Smit, Kerry A. Hadfield
Summary: A new species of gnathiid is described from pufferfish specimens collected from the southern Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. The new species, Gnathia pipinde sp. nov., is characterized by distinct features such as straight frontal margin, conical superior frontolateral processes, pronounced supraocular lobes, and a strong and bifid mediofrontal process. This study also provides a summary and key to males of all known species of Gnathiidae from the Temperate Southern African marine realm.
Article
Ecology
Mary O. Shodipo, Paul C. Sikkel, Nico J. Smit, Kerry A. Hadfield
Summary: Gnathiid isopods are often overlooked in biodiversity surveys due to their unusual life cycle involving parasitic larval and free living adult stages. This paper presents the first records of two gnathiid species collected from the Visayas, central Philippines, along with detailed morphological redescriptions and the first molecular characterisation of both species. Additionally, a summary of Central-Indo Pacific Gnathia species is provided.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Valiallah Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Manal Abdulrahman Al-Kandari
Summary: This study describes three new species of gnathiid isopods collected from shallow waters of Kuwait coasts between 2014 and 2022. The new species, Caecognathia alsalmiyah sp. nov., Elaphognathia alshumaimah sp. nov., and Gnathia kuwaitensis sp. nov., are differentiated by their morphological characteristics such as supraocular lobe, mandible, and mediofrontal process.
Article
Zoology
Ameri Kottarathil Helna, Panakkool Thamban Aneesh, Appukuttannair Biju Kumar, Susumu Ohtsuka
Summary: This article describes a new species and genus, Glyptothoa sagara, which parasitizes the host fish Glyptophidium macropus. Both morphological and molecular data support the inclusion of this new species in a new genus. The adult and transitional stages of the species are described.
ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Yuzo Ota, Akira Kurashima, Taku Horie
Summary: This study examined the gnathiid larvae infesting elasmobranch and holocephalan fishes from different locations in Japan. The larvae were distinguished from other species based on their head appendages and exhibited two pigmentation patterns on their dorsal thoraxes. They were identified as second and third stage praniza larvae and a new species was discovered in the Thaumastognathia genus. The findings provide valuable information on the larvae and host association for Thaumastognathia species.
ZOOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Manikmayang Annisaqois, J. Wolfgang Waegele
Summary: This study presents a first inventory of Isopoda Anthuroidea from near-shore marine sites in Sulawesi, describing several new species and discussing their unique features and differences. It also highlights the discovery of the unique feature of mandible fusion in Colanthura, which is distinct among isopods. Additionally, the description of Expanathura collaris from Bangka Island and its differences with other Indo-Pacific populations are discussed.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TAXONOMY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Giuseppe Montesanto, Federico Riva
Summary: The postmarsupial manca stages of Armadillidium ficalbii Arcangeli, 1911 were studied in detail through morphological analysis. The morphological modifications during the stages were described and the cephalothorax width was measured as a growth measure. Comparisons were made with postmarsupial manca stages of other terrestrial isopod species.
INVERTEBRATE REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Panakkool Thamban Aneesh, Kerry A. Hadfield, Nico J. Smit, Appukuttannair Biju Kumar
Summary: This study re-examined a fish parasitic isopod reported from India, confirming it as a new species titled Anilocra grandmaae n. sp. based on its distinct morphological and molecular characteristics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Niel L. Bruce, Helen P-S. Wong, Kelly L. Merrin
Summary: The genus Argathona from Singapore waters is reviewed, and two new species are described. Several characteristics are provided to identify these new species.
RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Zoology
Christopher B. Boyko, Jason D. Williams
Summary: A new species of parasitic isopod genus Epicepon found on a crab host in New Caledonia is described, with comparisons to previously known species in the genus. Details previously omitted from the original descriptions are provided, along with a key to classify species of Epicepon.
ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES
(2021)
Review
Zoology
Panakkool Thamban Aneesh, Niel L. Bruce, Appukuttannair Biju Kumar, M. Raj Bincy, T. Mohanan Sreenath
Summary: The genus Lobothorax has been revised with a new species description and taxonomic corrections. The newly described species has specific characteristics and a key to species identification is provided for further research.
ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Lluc Garcia
Summary: This paper describes and illustrates a new species, Maghreboniscus rojasi, of the terrestrial isopod genus Maghreboniscus, which represents the first record of this genus on the European continent. So far, only three species of this genus have been described, all of which are known from Africa. This study also validates the genus Maghreboniscus and designates M. palmetensis as its type species. Additionally, a key to distinguish the species of this genus is provided.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Panakkool Thamban Aneesh, Ameri Kottarathil Helna, Smrithy Raj, Appukuttannair Biju Kumar
Summary: A new branchial fish parasitic cymothoid species, Elthusa aquabio sp. n., is described based on the study of an ovigerous female specimen collected from trash fishes from the south-west coast of India. The species is characterized by its twisted and elongated body, smooth dorsal surfaces, shortened pleon, wide coxae, and other distinguishing features.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Pathan Anil
Summary: Sphaeromopsis jayaraji sp. nov. is a new species described from intertidal habitats in the South Andaman, Andaman Islands, which is the second record of the genus in India. It is characterized by its wide anterior epistome, deep longitudinal mesial grooves on the uropodal exopod, and deep mesial groove with plumose setae on the endopod apex.
Article
Zoology
Abdul Rahim Azman
Summary: Stenothoe lowryi sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on samples collected from an intertidal pool of Pangkor Island. It shares diagnostic features with Stenothoe gallensis Walker, 1904 from the Arabian Gulf, but shows slight differences in certain characteristics.
RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Anja Erasmus, Kerry A. Hadfield, Victor Wepener, Nico J. Smit
Summary: This study reports the discovery of a Lernaeopodidae species on the gills of the South African teleost fish Clinus superciliosus, marking the first report of this family from Clinidae and the first molecular characterization of any marine lernaeopodid infecting teleost fish in South Africa.
SYSTEMATIC PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Iva Prikrylova, Sareh Tavakol, Nico J. Smit, Willem J. Smit, Wilmien J. Luus-Powell
Summary: In this study, three species of Cichlidae (Coptodon rendalli, Oreochromis mossambicus, and Tilapia sparrmanii) from four localities in South Africa were screened for stomach monogeneans. Five species of Enterogyrus were identified, including a new host and geographic records. The wide distribution of E. coronatus within South Africa and new host records for E. cichlidarum, E. mashegoi, and E. multispiralis were also reported.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kodai Motohira, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Akifumi Eguchi, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Victor Wepener, Nico J. Smit, Johan H. J. V. A. N. Vuren, Mayumi Ishizuka
Summary: This study investigated the effects of DDT on wild rats in DDT-sprayed areas of South Africa. The researchers used LC-Q-TOF-MS to quantify plasma metabolites and examined gene expression levels in rat liver samples. The results showed that DDT had an impact on bile acid biosynthesis and gene expression of enzymes related to constitutive androstane receptor. However, no significant correlation was found between DDT concentration and gene expression involved in steroid hormone synthesis in the testis.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Linda Van der Spuy, Nico J. Smit, Kristina Naidoo, Bjoern C. Schaeffner
Summary: The lack of collection efforts in many parts of the world has led to the discovery of a new species of marine cestode, Phoreiobothrium martinisp. n., in the common South African coastal-pelagic shark species, Carcharhinus brevipinna. This discovery expands the biogeographical representation of onchoproteocephalidean genus in southern Africa and introduces new host associations. The identification and study of this new species will be beneficial for future ecological investigations and accurate identification of commonly misidentified shark species.
SYSTEMATIC PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anrich Kock, Wihan Pheiffer, Victor Wepener, Nico J. Smit, Jonathan C. Taylor
Summary: This study used laboratory bioassays to investigate the effects of DDT and deltamethrin on a freshwater diatom species, Nitzschia palea. The results showed that both insecticides affected the morphology of chloroplasts, resulting in reductions in chlorophyll concentrations, decreased cell viability, and increased cell deformities. Confocal microscopy, chlorophyll-alpha analysis, and cell deformities were suggested as useful tools for assessing the effects of insecticides on diatoms.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Marliese Truter, Kerry A. Hadfield, Nico J. Smit
Summary: This study investigated the parasitic communities of translocated populations of Clarias gariepinus in South Africa. Different parasitic taxa were found in the populations from the Riviersonderend River, Great Fish River, and Gariep Dam. The composition of parasite communities varied among the populations, indicating potential diverse sources of translocated C. gariepinus or suitable intermediate hosts in recipient ecosystems. The study also demonstrated the resilience of specialist parasite species in their persistence with the host and confirmed the loss of known parasite taxa in translocated populations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Anja Vermaak, Nico J. Smit, Olena Kudlai
Summary: Three species of Coitocaecum were identified from marine fishes in South Africa, highlighting the importance of an integrated taxonomic approach. This study provides the first molecular characterization and detailed morphological descriptions of Coitocaecum species from South Africa, revealing the lack of information on the true diversity and molecular data for trematodes of marine fishes in this region.
FOLIA PARASITOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Ruan Gerber, Lizaan de Necker, Johan H. J. van Vuren, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka, Victor Wepener, Nico J. Smit
Summary: Stable isotope analyses provide valuable insights into the feeding ecology of consumers, and this study used these methods to investigate the diet of large and small tigerfish in different environments in South Africa. The results showed significant differences in food sources and diet structure of tigerfish between ecosystems, as well as diet changes with growth and habitat type.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
L. Van Der Spuy, J. H. Erasmus, M. Nachev, B. C. Schaeffner, B. Sures, V. Wepener, N. J. Smit
Summary: This study investigates the potential use of the parasitic isopod C. tetrodontis and its fish host A. honckenii for marine bioaccumulation monitoring. The results show significant differences in the concentrations of nickel and copper between two sampling sites on the South African temperate south coast. Compared to fish hosts, the parasitic isopods accumulate higher levels of all elements except cadmium. Therefore, C. tetrodontis can be defined as a good bioindicator for elements such as cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, and zinc.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Anja Vermaak, Olena Kudlai, Russell Q-Y. Yong, Nico J. Smit
Summary: This study reports the presence of adult specimens of the digenean species Proctoeces maculatus in common octopuses in South Africa, providing a comprehensive morphological description and molecular data. This finding fills the knowledge gap regarding the distribution of this species in the region.
Article
Ecology
M. Truter, I. Prikrylova, K. A. Hadfield, N. J. Smit
Summary: This study discusses the challenges and possible solutions for implementing a fish parasite conservation project, using parasites of cyprinid hosts from South Africa as a case study. It provides novel data on fish parasites and proposes conservation statuses for selected parasite taxa based on the conservation statuses of the fish hosts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nehemiah M. Rindoria, George N. Morara, Willem J. Smit, Marliese Truter, Nico J. Smit, Wilmien J. Luus-Powell
Summary: During a parasitological survey in the River Nyando, Lake Victoria Basin, a species of Rhabdochona was found in the intestine of the Rippon barbel. Through various microscopic and genetic analyses, the parasite was identified as Rhabdochona (Rhabdochona) gendrei. This study provides the first genetic data for Rhabdochona from Africa and serves as a valuable reference for future research on Rhabdochona in Africa.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Alan J. Lymbery, Nico J. Smit
Summary: Although parasites are often overlooked in conservation planning, there are arguments for conserving their species due to their evolutionary heritage, functional role in ecosystem services, and value as indicators of ecosystem quality. Endangered hosts and parasites should be considered together as a threatened ecological community. However, estimating the extent of parasite extinction is difficult due to limited knowledge on their distribution and abundance factors. Effective conservation of parasites requires maintaining suitable hosts and ecological conditions for successful transmission.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Nehemiah M. Rindoria, Zipporah Gichana, George N. Morara, Coret van Wyk, Willem J. Smit, Nico J. Smit, Wilmien J. Luus-Powell, Lawrence S. Young
Summary: A parasitological study conducted in the Nyando River of Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya, identified two parasitic lernaeid copepods: Lamproglena cleopatra and Lamproglena clariae. Scanning electron microscopy provided new taxonomic information on the morphology of L. cleopatra, while genetic analysis showed distinct differences from other Lamproglena species. This study also presented the first molecular data for these parasite species and expanded the geographical information for L. cleopatra.
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. van Rooyen, J. H. Erasmus, R. Gerber, M. Nachev, B. Sures, V. Wepener, N. J. Smit
Summary: Anthropogenic activities, such as fossil fuel combustion and gold mining, contribute significantly to mercury (Hg) emissions in aquatic ecosystems. South Africa, particularly its coal-fired power stations, is a major contributor to global Hg emissions. The contamination of the Phongolo River Floodplain (PRF) on the east coast of southern Africa is primarily caused by atmospheric transport of Hg emissions. Our study assessed Hg bioaccumulation, trophic positions, and biomagnification in the PRF, revealing elevated Hg concentrations in sediments, macroinvertebrates, and fish. Biomagnification was observed in the food webs, with tigerfish having the highest Hg concentration.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
