ORIGINAL RESEARCH

 

Report on some monogenean and clinostomid infestations of freshwater fish and waterbird hosts in Middle Letaba Dam, Limpopo Province, South Africa

 

 

P.A.S. Olivier^I; Wilmien J. Luus-Powell^I; J.E. Saayman^I

^IDepartment of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727 South Africa
^IIPresent address: 7 Protea Street, Albertinia, 6695 South Africa

 

 

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ABSTRACT

This report deals with the results of a parasitological study done as part of a post-impoundment ecological study of Middle Letaba Dam, Limpopo Province, South Africa. It involved a seasonal survey protocol with particular attention to the diversity and prevalence of the parasitic fauna of the indigenous fish community of the dam and the role of selected fish-eating birds in the life cycle and distribution of fish helminths. The potential species composition of fish of the dam is provided. Monogenean and clinostomatid parasites encountered are listed and infestation statistics of fish and fish-eating bird hosts are presented. The results of this study also provide information on new distribution and host records of the encountered monogeneans.

Keywords: Clinostomidae, Middle Letaba Dam, Monogenea, South Africa

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Accepted for publication 1 September 2008-Editor

 

 

* Author to whom correspondence is to be directed: olivierp@ul.ac.za