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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
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
"Major subject: Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences".
Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.
Includes bibliographical references: pages 185-201.