Light and ultrastructural data on Henneguya testicularis n. sp. (Myxozoa, Myxobolidae), a parasite from the testis of the Amazonian fish Moenkhausia oligolepis

Light and electron microscopical data on a myxosporidian found in the testis of Moenkhausia oligolepis Gunther (Teleostei, Characidae, Tetragonopterinae) from the lower Amazon River near Belem, Brazil, are described. Based on spore morphology, we conclude that this species belongs to the family Myxobolidae and genus Henneguya. Mature spores (total length 27.5 (27.0-28.5) mu m) were observed at the periphery of the testis. The ellipsoidal spore body consists of two unequal shell valves adhering together along the suture lines. The spore body is ellipsoidal, 14.0 mu m long and 6.5 mu m wide. Each valve tapers to a single caudal projection, forming a 13.5 mu m long tail (13.0-14.5 mu m). The spore is surrounded by a homogenous dense sheath. The polar capsules, measuring 9.0 x 2.0 mu m, contain 12-13 coils of the polar filaments. Morphological differences between this material and other species of the genus Henneguya indicated the erection of a new species, which was named H. testicularis. The taxonomic affinities of this parasite are discussed.