Identification of Myxobolus episquamalis (Myxozoa, Myxobolidae) in flathead mullet Mugil cephalus (Pisces, Teleostei, Mugilidae) from the coast of Senegal (eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean)

Abstract

         Myxobolus episquamalis (Myxozoa, Myxobolidae), a myxosporidian parasite, was found for the first time infecting scales and fins of flathead mullet (Mugil cephalus) from the Senegalese coast. The overall prevalence of infection was 4.7% (25/529), while the highest infection rates were observed in January 2006 (17.1%) and July 2006 (13.9%). This parasite forms large and white cysts which cover a great part of the fish body. According to this new report from African Atlantic coast, Myxobolus episquamalis geographical distribution is extended considerably. However, the infection is of little commercial importance and does not cause a significant economic loss in Senegal.