Checklist of <i>Synodontella</i> spp. (Monopisthocotylea, Dactilogyridae) gill parasites of <i>Synodontis</i> spp. (Pisces, Mochokidae), with the description of a new species

<p>A new Monopisthocotylea, <em>Synodontella extensiocirrus</em> n. sp. (Monopisthocotylea: Ancyrocephalidae), is described based on specimens collected from the gill filaments of <em>Synodontis obesus</em> (Pisces: Mochokidae) from downstream of the Sanaga River and Dibamba River, Littoral-Cameroon. Fish specimens were caught by gill nets. Parasites were dislodged from the gill filaments and mounted between a slide and coverslip in a drop of GAP mixture (Glycerin Ammonium-Picrate). Drawings of the sclerotized pieces were carried out using Coral Draw X4 software. The new species is distinguished from all congeners primarily by the morphology of the MCO, which features a penis widely open distally, with unique accessory pieces (cape-shaped) and a distinctive penis wall. The present new species described and herein illustrated brings to 18 the number of known species of <em>Synodontella</em>. Host specificity of <em>Synodontella</em> species is discussed; these parasites seem specific to their host. A key to <em>Synodontella</em> species is proposed.</p>