Ecto- and endo-parasitic monogeneans (Platyhelminthes) on cultured freshwater exotic fish species in the state of Morelos, South-Central Mexico

An extensive parasitological study of 365 freshwater exotic fish specimens belonging to 13 species of seven families (Cichlidae, Cyprinidae, Osphronemidae, Pangasidae, Poeciliidae, Characidae, and Loricariidae) collected from 31 Aquaculture Production Units (APU) from Central Mexico revealed the occurrence of 29 ecto- and endo-parasitic monogeneans found on gills and stomachs: Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. thurstonae, C. tilapiae, Cichlidogyrus sp. 1, Cichlidogyrus sp. 2, Enterogyrus coronatus, E. malmbergi, Gussevia spiralocirra, Sciadicleithrum iphthimum, Sciadicleithrum sp., Scutogyrus longicornis (all Dactylogyridae), Gyrodactylus cichlidarum, and G. yacatli (Gyrodactylidae) on Oreochromis niloticus, Pterophyllum scalare and Hemichromis sp. (Cichlidae); Dactylogyrus baueri, D. formosus, D. intermedius, D. vastator, D. extensus, Dactylogyrus sp. (all Dactylogyridae), and G. kobayashii on Carassius auratus, Cyprinus carpio and Ctenopharyngodon idella (Cyprinidae); Trianchoratus acleithrium and T. trichogasterium (Dactylogyridae) on Trichogaster trichopterus (Osphronemidae); Thaparocleidus caecus, T. siamensis (Dactylogyridae), and Dactylogyridae sp. on Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Pangasidae); G. poeciliae on Poecilia reticulata (Poeciliidae); Diaphorocleidus armillatus (Dactylogyridae) on Gymnocorymbus ternetzy (Characidae); Unilatus unilatus (Dactylogyridae) and Gyrodactylidae sp. on Hypostomus sp. (Loricariidae). The paramount importance of the establishment of these monogeneans due to the importation/exportation of non-native ornamental and other exotic host fish species cultured for food in Mexico is briefly discussed. Quarantine is recommended for all transferred host species.