A survey of the cestode genera proteocephalus and bothriocephalus from the freshwater fish of western Canada, including a re-description of proteocephalus luciopercae (Wardle) and proteocephalus stizostethi (Hunter and Bangham)

Abstract

A systematic survey of the Cestode genera Proteocephalus and Bothriocephalus parasitizing the freshwater fish of Western Canada was carried out with a view to simplifying identification of species in these genera. Laboratory examination of all material utilizing staining, sectioning, photomicrography, and camera lucida techniques was carried out. A new stain technique was developed to aid in this investigation. A combination of two separate species Proteocephalus luciopercae (Wardle) and Proteocephalus stizostethi (Hunter and Bangham) under the single species of Proteocephalus luciopercae (Wardle) is suggested. Findings show that among the more common freshwater fish of Western Canada the host-parasite interrelationship is remarkably specific. These findings materially aid in simplifying identification of tapeworm species in the area studied.