A Closer Look at the Choricotyle Chrysophryi-like (Polyopisthocotyla: Diclidophoridae) Species Complex: Description of a New Choricotyle from the Gills of Pagellus Acarne (Teleostei: Sparidae) and Revision of Choricotyle Spp. from Sparids

Overview

Journal Acta Parasitol

Specialty Parasitology

Date 2025 Mar 3

PMID 40032710

Authors

Chahinez Bouguerche

Affiliations

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Abstract

Purpose: The genus Choricotyle, the largest in the diclidophoridean family, includes C. chrysophryi, whose taxonomic status remains ambiguous. This study aims to resolve this ambiguity by describing a new Choricotyle species, C. justinemusei n. sp. previously identified as C. cf. chrysophryi, and clarifying the taxonomic status of related congeneric species, particularly those reported from sparids in Mediterranean and Atlantic waters.

Methods: Choricotyle justinemusei n. sp. was described based on Mediterranean specimens from the gills of Pagellus acarne, found in the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris. The species was differentiated from its congeners through morphological and anatomical features, including the presence or absence of a terminal lappet, and of ring organ, number of atrial hooks and of testes. Molecular analysis using cox1 sequences was also conducted to aid in species identification.

Results: Choricotyle justinemusei n. sp. was described and distinguished from other Choricotyle species by several key morphological traits and molecular sequences. The record of C. chrysophryi from Pagellus bogaraveo in Atlantic waters was reassigned to C. chrysophryi sensu Llewellyn (1941). Furthermore, C. pagelli from P. bogaraveo was found to be distinct from C. chrysophryi sensu Llewellyn (1941), confirming the validity of both C. pagelli and C. chrysophryi as separate species, and the former was reinstated as a valid species. A differential diagnosis was also provided for C. marionis, reinstating it based on its original type-host, Spicara maena.

Conclusion: This study clarifies the taxonomic status of C. chrysophryi and related species, describing C. justinemusei n. sp. and reinstating C. pagelli and C. marionis as valid species. These findings contribute to a more accurate understanding of Choricotyle species and their host specificity.

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