Work

Two new species of Microcotylidae Taschenberg, 1879 (Platyhelminthes: Polyopisthocotyla) parasitising Diplodus capensis (Teleostei, Sparidae) off South Africa

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Microcotylids have rarely been reported along the South African coast, even though the Microcotylidae is one of the dominant polyopisthocotylan families. The present study focused on elucidating the parasite diversity of the Cape white seabream, Diplodus capensis (Smith), from various localities along the South African coast. By combining molecular and morphological techniques, two previously undescribed species of the Microcotylidae were identified. Atriaster ibamba n. sp. primarily differs from its congeners by the number and size of the hooks surrounding the genital atrium. Polylabris dassie n. sp. has a single vagina and is unique to most others of this genus by having a smaller male copulatory organ, and by the shape of this organ. This is the first report of species of Atriaster from South Africa, as well as the first report of any polyopisthocotylan from D. capensis. The present study also contributes the first genetic sequences of marine microcotylids from South Africa.

Source: Parasite

DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2025037

Authors: Anja Vermaak, Chahinez Bouguerche, Aline A. Acosta, Nico J. Smit

Institutions: North-West University, Swedish Museum of Natural History, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Language: English

Topic: Parasite Biology and Host Interactions

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,695