Evidence of the American Myxobolus dechtiari was introduced along with its host Lepomis gibbosus in Europe: Molecular and histological data

The American pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus, was introduced to Europe more than one hundred years ago. Currently it is a common fish in European freshwaters but relatively few specific parasites infect this new habitat. In only single species, Myxobolus dechtiari seems represent the myxosporean fauna of centrarchid fishes. M. found both Portugal and Hungary. This species forms plasmodia with elongated shape inside cartilaginous rays gill filaments. advanced stage infection, after disruption plasmodia, small groups myxospores remain enclosed causing distortions Myxospores were ellipsoidal frontal view lemon-shape sutural, length 12.5 ± 0.46 (12–13.4) μm, width 10 0.37 (9.6–10.4) thickness 7.4 (7–8) μm; polar capsules pyriform, equal size, 5.6 0.21 (5.3–6) 3.2 0.16 (3–3.6) Seven eight tube coils arranged perpendicularly capsule length. There small, round, 0.4 0.1 (0.3–05) (N = 50) intercapsular appendix spores. subunit ribosomal DNA (ssrDNA) differed from other myxozoans sequenced date. Phylogenetic analysis ssrDNA gene sequence placed clade including actinospores species: Raabeia type1, Triactinomyxon sp., osburni infecting same host fish. focus our study prove that pumpkinseed, originated North-America its parasite Europe. Emphasis put on demonstrate unique feature infection rays.