The digenetic trematodes parasitizing macrourid fishes from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea : an examination of their systematics, zoogeography and host-parasite ecology /
Three hundred and seventy macrourids representing 15 species
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1996.
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| Summary: | Three hundred and seventy macrourids representing 15 species were examined for digenetic trematodes. Macrourids were collected from 34 stations in the northwestern to northeastern and southwestern Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea between depths of 13 and 1,600 meters. The majority of macrourids examined had only been surveyed once before for heiminths and two host species herein have never been examined for parasites. Approximately 44.3% were infected with a total of 740 trematodes (mostly adult) representing seven families, 11 subfamilies, 15 genera and 36 species / morphs. The systematics of the digeneans in each family were described with taxonomic summaries and remarks concerning established species given. Three new genera and 13 new species were proposed. New keys were presented and established ones modified for some of the new species herein and a revision of the genera Allopodocotyle Pritchard, 1966, Apopodocotyle Pritchard, 1966, Neopodocotyloides Pritchard, 1966, Podocotyle Dujardin, 1845, and Podocotyloides Yamaguti, 1934, was suggested. In decreasing order, Opecoelidae, Ozaki, 1925. Hemiuridae Looss, 1899, Lepocreadiidae Odhner, 1905, and Fellodistomidae Nicoll, 1909, were the dominant families represented. Prevalence, intensity, mean intensity and relative density / abundance for each species were calculated and compared. Gonocerca phycidis Manter, 1925, appeared to dominate in these ecological parameters. Species richness and host specificity were discussed and compared to previous shallow and deep-sea studies. The relationship between parasite intensities and host characteristics such as sex, mouth position, diet and age were analyzed and discussed. Zoogeographical affinities both vertically in the water column and worldwide were examined. Numerous new host records and localities were recorded. Intrahost infection sites and parasite-induced damage to hosts were discussed. The most comprehensive listing to date of all known helminths from macrourids and their locations was also presented. Future avenues of study and discovery were offered. In summary, the identity and ecological characteristics of the trematodes found in this study appeared to mirror those of previous deep-sea parasite studies from the Gulf of Mexico and from other oceans around the world. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major subject: Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences". |
| Physical Description: | ix, 305 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references: pages 185-201. |