Kudoa amamiensis n. sp. (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida) Found in Cultured Yellowtails and Wild Damselfishes from Amami-Ohshima and Okinawa, Japan

Abstract

A description is given of a new species of myxosporidian parasite located in the musculature of the damselfishes Abudefduf sexfasciatus, A. vagiensis, Chromis isharai, C. notatus, Chrysiptera assimilis from Amami-Ohshima and Okinawa and the yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata from the Marine Ranch of the International Ocean Exhibition at Motobu, Okinawa. The name Kudoa amamiensis n. sp. is suggested for this parasite. The cysts are spherical to ellipsoidal, measure up to 5mm in diameter, have a thick wall of connective tissue and contain quadrangular spores which measure 4.5-5 μm in length, 5-6 μm in breadth and thickness. Observed in the scanning electron microscope the spores are characterized by the presence of short finger-shaped projections at the top and papillae on the inflated corners.