First record of the genus Paratrichodina (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) in India from ornamental goldfish ( Carassius auratus L.) supplemented with description of a new species Paratrichodina indiana n. sp.

The present investigation deals with the accounts of a novel species of ciliate parasite belonging to the genus Paratrichodina namely, Paratrichodina indiana n. sp. identified from the respiratory organ of goldfish Carassius auratus at Nadia district of West Bengal, India. 276 fish have been collected for parasitological examination from various fish farm of West Bengal, India. The parasitological investigation was conducted using the AgNO 3 impregnation technique, which was supplemented by a taxonomic description, morphological variations and data comparison with previously documented closely related species. Paratrichodina indiana n. sp. is a small-sized trichodinid, measures uniquely 19.21 ± 1.6 µm in body diameter, with prominent adhesive disc measure 15.55 ± 1.22 µm. The current investigation supports the first record of the genus from C. auratus and adds one new species to the genus Paratrichodina , as well as report of a new host, region and prevalence rates.