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In Morocco, no work has been carried out on parasitic monogeneans of cichlid fish as far. An examination of the gills of 375 fish from three native species of Cichlidae: Oreochromis aureus, Coptodon zillii and Coptodon guineensis from different localities, revealed the presence of two monogenean species (1328 monogenean specimens were recovered from 56 fish specimens) belonging to the family Dactylogyridae and to the genus Cichlidogyrus: three morphotypes of C. cirratus were identified from O. aureus and C. zillii; and C. cubitus was identified from C. guineensis. This is the first time that these monogeneans were collected and identified in Morocco. In addition, O. aureus was revealed as a new host for C. cirratus. The low parasite species richness and intensity, appear to support the enemy release hypothesis, and have probably promoted the lateral transfer of parasites in natural populations between O. aureus and C. zillii, and the synxenic diversification of C. cirratus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species interactions are a key aspect of evolutionary biology. Parasites, specifically, are drivers of the evolution of species communities and impact biosecurity and public health. However, when using interaction networks for evolutionary studies, interdependencies between distantly related species in these networks are shaped by ancient and complex processes. We propose using recent interacting host–parasite radiations, e.g. African cichlid fishes and cichlid gill parasites belonging to Cichlidogyrus (Dactylogyridae, Monogenea), as macroevolutionary model of species interactions. The cichlid–Cichlidogyrus network encompasses 138 parasite species and 416 interactions identified through morphological characteristics and genetic markers in 160 publications. We discuss the steps required to develop this model system based on data resolution, sampling bias, and reporting quality. In addition, we propose the following steps to guide efforts for a macroevolutionary model system for species interactions: first, evaluating and expanding model system outcome measures to increase data resolution; second, closing knowledge gaps to address underreporting and sampling bias arising from limited human and financial resources. Identifying phylogenetic and geographic targets, creating systematic overviews, enhancing scientific collaborations, and avoiding data loss through awareness of predatory journal publications can accelerate this process; and third, standardising data reporting to increase reporting quality and to facilitate data accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Tanganyika's biodiversity and endemicity sparked considerable scientific interest. Its monogeneans, minute parasitic flatworms, have received renewed attention. Their host-specificity and simple life cycle render them ideal for parasite speciation research. Because of the wide ecological and phylogenetic range of its cichlids, Lake Tanganyika is a 'natural experiment' to contrast factors influencing monogenean speciation. Three representatives of Bathybatini ( Bathybates minor, B. fasciatus, B. vittatus), endemic predatory non-littoral cichlids, host a single dactylogyridean monogenean species. It is new to science and described as Cichlidogyrus casuarinus sp. nov. This species and C. nshomboi and C. centesimus, from which it differs by the distal end of the accessory piece of the male apparatus and the length of its heel, are the only Cichlidogyrus species with spirally coiled thickening of the penis wall. In Cichlidogyrus, this feature was only found in parasites of endemic Tanganyika tribes. The seemingly species-poor Cichlidogyrus community of Bathybatini may be attributed to meagre host isolation in open water. The new species infects cichlids that substantially differ phylogenetically and ecologically. This may be an adaptation to low host availability. Cichlidogyrus species infecting African Great Lake cichlids are summarized and proposed as model for the influence of host ecology on disease transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]