Pseudorhabdosynochus argus explained

Pseudorhabdosynochus argus is a diplectanid monogenean parasitic on the gills of groupers. It was described in 2007.[1]

Etymology

The specific epithet is derived from the mythological Argus Panoptes; it was given in reference to the species' type-host, Cephalopholis argus.

Description

Pseudorhabdosynochus argus is a small monogenean. The species has the general characteristics of other species of Pseudorhabdosynochus, with a flat body and a posterior haptor, which is the organ by which the monogenean attaches itself to the gill of is host. The haptor bears two squamodiscs, one ventral and one dorsal.The sclerotized male copulatory organ, or "quadriloculate organ", has the shape of a bean with four internal chambers, as in other species of Pseudorhabdosynochus. The vagina includes a sclerotized part, which is a complex structure.

Hosts and localities

The grouper Cephalopholis argus is the type-host of Pseudorhabdosynochus argus. The type-locality is the barrier reef off Nouméa, New Caledonia. The parasite has also been found in the same fish species near Heron Island, off Australia.

Notes and References

  1. Justine. Jean-Lou. Pseudorhabdosynochus argus n. sp. (Monogenea: Diplectanidae) from Cephalopholis argus, P. minutus n. sp. and Diplectanum nanus n. sp. from C. sonnerati and other monogeneans from Cephalopholis spp. (Perciformes: Serranidae) off Australia and New Caledonia. Systematic Parasitology. 68. 3. 2007. 195–215. 0165-5752. 10.1007/s11230-007-9096-4. 17896188. 23506802 .