New genus and species of fish blood fluke (Digenea: Aporocotylidae Odhner, 1912) from stoplight parrotfish, Sparisoma viride (Bonnaterre, 1788), (Labridae: Scarinae) in the Caribbean Sea.

J Parasitol

Aquatic Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, College of Agriculture, Auburn University, 203 Swingle Hall, Auburn, Alabama 36849, USA.

Published: December 2012

AI Article Synopsis

  • A new genus and species, Primisanguis caribbeanensis, was identified in the Caribbean, specifically affecting the stoplight parrotfish.
  • It can be distinguished by its unique physical traits, including a long body, specific body protuberances, and unique reproductive structures.
  • This discovery marks the first time an aporocotylid has been reported in the Caribbean Sea or from a parrotfish species.

Article Abstract

Primisanguis caribbeanensis n. gen., n. sp. (Digenea: Aporocotylidae) infects the stoplight parrotfish, Sparisoma viride (Bonnaterre, 1788), (Labridae: Scarinae) in the Caribbean Sea off La Parguera (17°58'26" N, 67°02'47"W), Puerto Rico. It is most easily distinguished from other nominal aporocotylids by the combination of having an adult body that is approximately 5-10 times longer than wide, a sinistral posterolateral body protuberance, tegumental body spines that are straight (lacking recurved tip) and wrap dorsoventrally around the body margin, posterior ceca that are 2-5 times the anterior ceca length, a single testis that extends lateral to both the ceca and nerve cords, an ovary abutting the posterior margin of the testis, a symmetrical vitellarium and medial primary vitelline duct, a post-cecal and post-gonadal ootype, and a proximal uterus that is extensively convoluted posterior to the ootype and which functions as a uterine seminal receptacle. The new genus lacks a spinous anterior sucker, pharynx, auxiliary external seminal vesicle, cirrus stylet, oviducal seminal receptacle, and Laurer's canal. The new species is morphologically most similar to the other aporocotylids that have a posterolateral body protuberance, including species of Psettarium Goto and Ozaki, 1930, Aporocotyle Odhner, 1900, Ankistromeces Nolan and Cribb, 2004 , Phthinomita Nolan and Cribb, 2006, and Littorellicola Bullard, 2010, but it can be differentiated from them, at the least, by lack of a spinous anterior sucker in the adult and by the combination of having dorsoventral rows of tegumental spines, a testis dorsal to the posterior ceca, and a uterine seminal receptacle posterior to the ootype. The new species is the first aporocotylid reported from the Caribbean Sea or from a parrotfish of Sparisoma.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1645/GE-3099.1DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

parrotfish sparisoma
12
caribbean sea
12
seminal receptacle
12
digenea aporocotylidae
8
stoplight parrotfish
8
sparisoma viride
8
viride bonnaterre
8
bonnaterre 1788
8
1788 labridae
8
labridae scarinae
8

Similar Publications

Strong linkage between parrotfish functions and habitat characteristics.

PLoS One

December 2024

PIESACOM, UMDI-Sisal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Sisal, México.

Phase shifts from hard coral to macroalgae have led to the formulation of a top-down herbivory paradigm, whose assumption is that a reduction in herbivory is the primary driver of these changes. Caribbean parrotfish from Scarus and Sparisoma genera are usually known as main reef herbivorous. Yet, they are a diverse group of organisms that perform multiple functions, including the bioerosion of reef structures.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The composition of coral-reef sediments is highly variable across space and time, and differences in the life histories of the dominant calcifying organisms on reefs contribute to the heterogeneity of reef sediments. Previous studies have suggested that variations in coral-reef bioerosion can influence spatial and temporal variations of sedimentary assemblages: elevated erosion rates of dead coral skeletons can trigger a pulse of coral-derived sediments and cause a shift in the dominance of sedimentary grains from coralline algae, such as Halimeda, to coral. We assessed the variability of the sedimentary composition and bioerosion rates of reefs at different spatial scales to determine the association between these two variables.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A molecular approach to identify parrotfish (Sparisoma) species during early ontogeny.

J Fish Biol

October 2024

Laboratorio de Genética de la Conservación, Departamento de Biología de la Conservación, Centro de Investigación y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Ensenada, Mexico.

Sparisoma species (parrotfish) comprise an important functional group contributing to coral-reef resilience. The morphological diagnostic characteristics for species identification are clearly described for adult forms but not for the early stages. Consequently, many taxonomical listings of Sparisoma larvae are restricted to the genus level.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Abrolhos Nominally Herbivorous Coral Reef Fish Acanthurus chirurgus, Kyphosus sp., Scarus trispinosus, and Sparisoma axillare Have Similarities in Feeding But Species-Specific Microbiomes.

Microb Ecol

August 2024

Laboratory of Microbiology, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Sala 102, Bloco A, CCS/IB/BIOMAR, Lab. de Microbiologia, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 21941-599, Brazil.

Coral reefs rely heavily on reef fish for their health, yet overfishing has resulted in their decline, leading to an increase in fast-growing algae and changes in reef ecosystems, a phenomenon described as the phase-shift. A clearer understanding of the intricate interplay between herbivorous, their food, and their gut microbiomes could enhance reef health. This study examines the gut microbiome and isotopic markers (δC and δN) of four key nominally herbivorous reef fish species (Acanthurus chirurgus, Kyphosus sp.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!