New parasite species discovered in Chinese fish
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Researchers in Hunan Province, China, identified a new species of myxosporean parasite living in the intestinal walls of barbel chub, a fish gaining importance in aquaculture.
Between June and December 2024, scientists collected 34 barbel chub from the Zi River near Xinhua County and found the parasite in 11 of them, representing a 32.35 percent prevalence. They used spore shape, tissue samples, and genetic analysis to confirm it was a previously unknown species.
The team observed whitish, ellipsoidal plasmodia, masses of parasite cells, within the fish’s intestinal muscles. Despite the presence of these plasmodia, the infected fish did not exhibit any unusual behavior or signs of illness. Further examination revealed the parasite’s spores had unique characteristics, like specific polar capsules and posterior folds, distinguishing it from related species. Genetic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the new species, named Myxobolus curriculus, did not closely resemble other intestinal myxozoans.
Researchers noted that myxosporean evolution seems influenced by a combination of factors including ecology, physical traits, and geographical location, and that spore shape alone is not a reliable indicator of relatedness. This discovery adds to the known diversity of myxosporean parasites in Hunan Province and represents the first documented instance of this type of parasite infecting barbel chub in the region.
