A new species of Lepidapedon Stafford, 1904 (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae) in the gadiform fish Coelorhinchus bollonsi McCann & McKnight (Macrouridae) from Chatham Rise,New Zealand

Lepidapedon blairi n. sp. is described from the gut of Coelorhinchus bollonsi from a depth of 570 m on the Chatham Rise off the east coast of South Island, New Zealand. It is distinguished from its congeners by its vitelline distribution, which does not extend much anterior to the ovary, and the extent of the excretory vesicle, which does not reach the posterior testis.     

Species of Lepidapedon Stafford, 1904 (Digenea: Lepidapedidae) from deep-sea fishes in the Western Mediterranean: molecular and morphological evidence

Systematic Parasitology - The species diversity of Lepidapedon Stafford, 1904 (Lepidapediae) in the Western Mediterranean was assessed based on samples from five deep-sea gadiform fishes collected...     

Lepidapedon spp. (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae) from deep-sea gadiform fishes of the NW Atlantic Ocean,including four new species

Five species are described from fishes in deep waters of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean: Lepidapedon gaevskayae n. sp. from Coryphaenoides (Nematonurus) armatus; L. merretti n. sp. from Phycis chesteri; L. zubchenkoi n. sp. from Coryphaenoides (Chalinura) leptolepis; L. beveridgei n. sp. from C. (N.) armatus; and Lepidapedon sp. innom. from Antimora rostrata. The genus Lepidapedon is discussed and divided into groups of species distinguished by the vitelline distribution and the extent of excretory vesicle. The new species are placed in their appropriate groups and differentiated from the other species in the group.     

Multivariate analyses of metrical features in the Lepidapedon elongatum (Lebour, 1908) species-complex (Digenea,Lepocreadiidae) in deep and shallow water gadiform fishes of the NE Atlantic

One hundred and eleven Lepidapedon elongatum-like worms from five gadiform fish species in the North Atlantic are compared using multivariate analyses of 22 metrical features. A principal component analysis followed by a discriminant analysis indicate multivariate morphological differences between worms in the different hosts. It is argued that the forms in the five host species, Gadus morhua, Onogadus argentatus, Trachyrhynchus trachyrhynchus, Coryphaenoides (Nematonurus) armatus and Lepidion eques, should be considered separate oioxenic species.     

Morphometric and molecular characterisation of specimens of Lepidapedon Stafford, 1904 (Digenea: Lepidapedidae) from the deep-sea fish Mora moro (Risso) (Teleostei: Moridae) in the western Mediterranean

In a study of the parasites of the deep-sea fish Mora moro (Risso) (Gadiformes: Moridae) off the Mediterranean coasts of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands (Spain), we were able to distinguish two morphs of specimens belonging to Lepidapedon Stafford, 1904 (Digenea: Lepidapedidae). This material is herein described and illustrated. Comparative sequence analyses using partial mitochondrial nad1 sequences revealed that the material assigned to one of these morphs can be considered conspecific with the material identified as Lepidapedon desclersae Bray & Gibson, 1995 from the same host. However, the published nad1 sequence for L. desclersae was generated from a specimen ex M. moro from the North East Atlantic. Examination of the voucher specimens associated with this sequence revealed that both the North East Atlantic and the Mediterranean specimens ex M. moro differ from L. desclersae as described from its type-host, Lepidion eques (Günther), in the anterior extent of the vitelline fields which is further posterior, reaching only to the posterior margin of the external seminal vesicle in L. desclersae, versus being at the mid-level of this organ and reaching the posterior margin of the ventral sucker. Therefore, we have tentatively assigned the material characterised here, both morphologically and molecularly as Lepidapedon sp. Acquisition of additional sequences for both nad1 mitochondrial and 28S rRNA genes of L. desclersae from material ex Lepidion spp. is required in order to determine whether the observed morphometric variation reflects host-related or inter-specific differences. The second morph of Lepidapedon from M. moro is described and distinguished on morphometric grounds, such as the position of the most anterior vitelline follicles, which reach to the anterior margin of the ventral sucker. Its identity is commented upon, but, in view of the fact that there were few specimens and no molecular data available, it is not named.     

Six new species of Lepidapedon Stafford, 1904 (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae) from deep-sea macrourid fishes from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, with revised keys to the species of the genus

Species of the genus Lepidapedon are divided into various groups and subgroups based on vitelline distribution relative to the acetabulum and anterior extent of the excretory vesicle. Members of this genus predominantly parasitise gadiform fishes and are commonly collected from relatively deep waters. A recent study of deep-sea helminths from macrourids of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea revealed six new species of this genus. L. mexicanensis n. sp., of the elongatum group, elongatum subgroup, differs from other species in this subgroup in proportions (as % of body length), lacking confluent vitelline fields between both the ovary and anterior testis and the testes, and in having a smaller egg and body size. L. nezumiatis n. sp., of the elongatum group, desclersae subgroup, differs from both L. filiformis and L. desclersae in having intermediate egg and body sizes, and a longer oesophagus than prepharynx. L. caribbaei n. sp. and L. longivesicula n. sp., of the garrardi group, congeri subgroup, differ from L. congeri in having a sucker-ratio of 1:<1. L. caribbaei n. sp. and L. longivesicula n. sp. differ from each other in that L. caribbaei n. sp. has numerous long, barb-like, deeply imbedded spines, a less elongate body, an infundibuliform oral sucker, a similar-sized oesophagus and prepharynx, and a caecal bifurcation which is closer to the acetabulum than oral sucker, while L. longivesicula n. sp. has shorter, serrate or plate-like, lightly imbedded, widely to sporadically spaced spines, a more elongate body, a spherical to subspherical oral sucker, a longer oesophagus than prepharynx, and a caecal bifurcation which is closer to the oral sucker than acetabulum. L. desotoensis n. sp., of the rachion group, rachion subgroup, is distinct from both L. luteum and L. abyssensis in having a smaller size, lacking cervical glands or pharyngeal gland cells, and possessing dark-staining particles in the mesenchyme, while it differs from L. abyssensis specifically in having a much longer oesophagus than prepharynx, lateral vitelline fields that are not confluent intertesticularly, and wider eggs. L. zaniophori n. sp., also of the rachion subgroup, differs from both L. cascadensis and L. genge in having a smaller egg size, a shorter prepharynx and oesophagus than pharynx, and vitelline fields that are intertesticular but only slightly encroach between the ovary and anterior testis. L. sammari and L. spiniferi are designated as incertae sedis, and L. quiloni and L. stromateusi are designated as species inquirendae. New parasite keys and host records for Coelorinchus coelorhincus, C. caribbaeus and Nezumia cyrano are offered. Support is given to Lepidapedon probably being the dominant digenean genus in deep water.     

Diplobulbus brayi n. sp. (Digenea: Opecoelidae) from Odax acroptilus (Perciformes: Odacidae) off Western Australia

Diplobulbus brayi n. sp. is described from the small intestine of Odax acroptilus (Perciformes: Odacidae) from Point Peron in southern Western Australia. One of the five previously described species of Diplobulbus, D. vitellosus Bilqees, 1972 from Tetraodon lunaris (now Lagocephalus lunaris), is synonymised with Alloheterolebes indicus (Gupta, 1968) Hafeezullah, 1971, which is known from the same host in the Indian Ocean. D. brayi n. sp. can be distinguished from the remaining four species of Diplobulbus by the distinct interruption of the vitelline follicles at the ventral sucker, its more elongate form and its long post-testicular space. Diplobulbus is so far restricted to the Indo-Pacific region and appears to be stenoxenic to labroid fishes. This is the first record of a trematode from an odacid fish.     

Syphacia (Syphacia) ohtaorum n. sp. (Nematoda: Oxyuridae) from Mus caroli on Okinawa Island,Japan

Syphacia (Syphacia) ohtaorum n. sp. is described from Mus caroli on Okinawa Island, Japan. It is closest to Syphacia (Syphacia) megaloon Quentin, 1966 from Mus minutoides and M. setulosus of Africa, but is distinguished in having a slimmer body, distinct lateral alae in the male, many eggs in the female and a smaller egg-size.     

Phylogeny of Orbirhynchia Pettitt, 1954 (Brachiopoda: Rhynchonellida)

A computer-based parsimony analysis of the brachiopod genus Orbirhynchia (Late Albian–Middle Campanian) is described. The resulting cladogram indicates that the genus divided into two distinct lineages soon after its appearance in the Late Albian. One group is known only from marly and sandy facies of Cenomanian age, while the second, more diverse, group appeared later in the Cenomanian but persisted into the Campanian. These two groups exhibit distinct morphological trends which may be related to different ecological niches, perhaps with respect to local sedimentary environment. K ey words : brachiopod, Orbirhynchia , Cretaceous, phylogeny, palaeoecology.     

Ossicaulis yunnanensis sp. nov. (Lyophyllaceae,Agaricales) from southwestern China

Ossicaulis is a small genus in the family Lyophyllaceae. Two known species, O. lachnopus, and O. lignatilis, are distributed in north temperate regions. The third taxon, O. yunnanensis sp. nov., is described from the alpine belt of subtropics of southwestern China, and this genus is also reported for the first time from China. Morphologically, the new species is characterized by its whitish basidiomata and very small basidiospores. Molecular analyses from the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) show that the subtropical alpine species is distinct from hitherto known Ossicaulis species and has a close relationship to O. lachnopus.     

Erysimum damirliense sp. nov. (Brassicaceae) from Iran

Erysimum damirliense, a new species of Brassicaceae from Zanjan and Ardebil provinces (northwest Iran) is described and illustrated. The new species resembles E. uncinatifolium and E. elbrusense, but is easily recognized by its life form, basal leaf margin, indumentum of cauline leaves, number of flowers in the main raceme, fruit width and style length. Phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequences confirm that the new species is distinct from morphologically similar species.     

Macrouridophora halargyrea n. sp. (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae) from Halargyreus johnsonii (Moridae) in the North-eastern Atlantic

Macrouridophora halargyrea n. sp. (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae) is described from the gills of the morid teleost Halargyreus johnsonii caught off the Faroe Islands in the North-eastern Atlantic. This new species is differentiated from ten other species in the genus Macrouridophora Rubec & Dronen, in press, by its: specialised heart-shaped haptor distinctly set-off from the body proper; inverted orientation of the first three anterior pairs of clamps; distinct spinulation covering the isthmus and haptor; small body size; small numbers of testes; and host.     

Descriptions of two new silversides, Hypoatherina golanii and Hypoatherina lunata, from the Indo-West Pacific (Atheriniformes: Atherinidae)

Two new atherinid fishes, Hypoatherina golanii and Hypoatherina lunata, are described based on specimens collected from the wide range of the Indo-West Pacific. The former species is known from the Red Sea and was confused with Hypoatherina barnesi because it has a somewhat wide midlateral band and overlapping meristic counts. Hypoatherina golanii is distinguished from its congeners by the midlateral scales with an indented posterior margin, posterior margin of anterior predorsal scales with a spatular outgrowth, posterior margin of axillary scales without a distinct projection, and posterior end of maxilla not slanted downward. Hypoatherina lunata is distributed in the waters of southern Japan (Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures) and Indonesia (North Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua), but was confused with Hypoatherina woodwardi. Hypoatherina lunata is distinguished from its congeners in having a distinct crescent marking in front of the eye and the anus usually situated anterior to the tip of the pelvic fin.     

Hymenochaete rhododendricola and H. quercicola spp. nov. (Basidiomycota,Hymenochaetales) from Tibet,southwestern China

Hymenochaete rhododendricola sp. nov. and Hymenochaete quercicola sp. nov. are described from Xizang Autonomous Region (Tibet), southwestern China. Hymenochaete rhododendricola is distinct in the genus by its large and heavily enmeshed setae, and growing on dead branches of Rhododendron. Hymenochaete quercicola differs from other species by its smooth or tuberculate hymenophore, presence of a cortex, relatively large and oblong‐ellipsoid basidiospores, and living on dead branches of Quercus.     

The Lepocreadiidae (Digenea) of fishes from the north-east Atlantic: a review of the genusLepidapedon Stafford, 1904

The genusLepidapedon is subdivided into several species groups and subgroups of species based on the vitelline distribution and the length of the excretory vesicle. The species in each of the subgroups are listed and keys to the species in most subgroups are given. The following north-eastern Atlantic species are described or redescribed:Lepidapedon rachion fromMelanogrammus aeglefinus, Gadus morhua, Aspitrigla cuculus, Merlangius merlangus andPollachius pollachius; L. cambrensis fromEnchelyopus cimbrius; L. sommervillae n. sp. fromTrachyrincus scabrus, T. murrayi andCoryphaenoides guentheri; L. elongatum fromGadus morhua; L. gaevskayae fromCoryphaenoides (Nematonurus) armatus; L. discoveryi n. sp. fromCoryphaenoides (Nematonurus) armatus; L. arlenae n. sp. fromTrachyrincus scabrus andT. murrayi; L. mariannae n. sp. fromGaidropsarus argentatus; Lepidapedon spp. innom (Elongatum-group) fromCoryphaenoides guentheri andCoryphaenoides (Chalinura) leptolepis; L. desclersae n. sp. fromLepidion eques; L. beveridgei fromCoryphaenoides (Nematonurus) armatus andC. (Chalinura) mediterraneus; andL. zubchenkoi fromCoryphaenoides (Chalinura) leptolepis andC. (C.) profundicolus. The phylogeny, host-specificity and zoogeography of the genus are briefly discussed.     

Parhadjelia cairinae n. sp. (Nematoda: Habronematoidea: Habronematidae) in the Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves: Anseriformes: Anatidae), from the area de conservacion Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A new species of Parahadjelia occurs in the muscovy duck, Cairina moschata (Linnaeus, 1758), from the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The new species differs from Parhadjelia neglecta Lent and Freitas, 1939, in the body size, in the spicules shape and ratio of spicules, and in having 2 pairs of sessile papillae near the tail tip of the male. The characters exhibited by P. neglecta and the new species validate its generic status distinct from Hadjelia.     

Sarcocystis speeri N. sp. (Protozoa: Sarcocystidae) from the opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

The North American opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is host to at least 3 species of Sarcocystis: Sarcocystisfalcatula, Sarcocystis neurona, and a recently recognized Sarcocystis sp. A new name, Sarcocystis speeri, is proposed for the third unnamed Sarcocystis. Immunodeficient mice are an experimental intermediate host for S. speeri. Sarcocystis speeri sporocysts are 12-15 x 8-10 microm in size, and its schizonts are found in many organs of mice. Sarcocysts of S. speeri are found in skeletal muscles and they are up to 5 mm long and filiform. By light microscopy, the sarcocyst wall is thin (<1 microm thick); ultrastructurally, the cyst wall is up to 1.8 microm thick and has characteristic steeple-shaped villar protrusions surmounted by a spire. Sarcocystis speeri schizonts are morphologically and antigenically distinct from schizonts of S. neurona, and S. speeri sporocysts were not infective to budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus).     

Roscoffia minor sp. nov. (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae): A new, sand-dwelling, armored dinoflagellate from Hokkaido, Japan

A new, sand-dwelling, armored dinoflagellate, Roscoffia minor sp. nov., is described from Ishikari beach, Hokkaido, Japan. The dinoflagellate has been collected from sand samples taken both near the water's edge and further upshore (25 m from the water's edge at a depth of 1 m), indicating that it is a true sand-dwelling species. Roscoffia minor is heterotrophic and lacks both a chloroplast and an eye-spot. The cell consists of a flattened cap-shaped epitheca and a large hemispheroidal hypotheca, and it is quite different from cells of the typical armored dinoflagellates. The thecal plate formula is: Po, 3′, la, 5″, 3c, 3s, 5″, 1″″. Its distinct cell shape and the thecal plate arrangement indicate affinity to the monotypic genus Roscoffia. Roscoffia minor is distinguished from Roscoffia capitata, the type species, by its smaller size and the possession of a finger-like apical projection. The thecal arrangement of the epitheca is similar to those of the members of the family Podolampaceae, while the hypothecal arrangement is the same as that of members of the subfamily Diplopsalioideae (family Congruentidiaceae). The organism seems to be positioned somewhere intermediate between these two families, but the family to which this dinoflagellate should be affiliated could not be determined.     

Partial small subunit (18S) rRNA gene sequences from fish parasites of the families Lepocreadiidae and Fellodistomidae (Digenea) and their use in phylogenetic analyses

Digeneans of the families Lepocreadiidae and Fellodistomidae are common parasites of shallow and deep-water marine fishes. Worms recovered from these contrasting environments may be indistinguishable or very similar morphologically and little is known concerning their inter-relationships. To investigate the systematic status of these forms, partial sequences from a small subunit 18S rRNA gene were generated from four species of lepocreadiids (Lepidapedon elongatum, L. gaevskayae, L. rachion and Opechona bacillaris) and two fellodistomids (Fellodistomum fellis and Steringophorus agnotus). Approximately 1,637 bases were sequenced for L. elongatum, L. rachion and F. fellis. A comparison of these sequences identified regions which varied between the two families. As a result, two regions were identified as containing potential phylogenetically informative sites and sequenced from the remaining species. Analyses of these regions by both maximum parsimony and distance methods showed that nucleic acid sequence data can be used to resolve the two families. The results indicate that 18S rRNA sequences are likely to be more satisfactory at resolving higher levels of phylogeny, i.e. at the family level, than at the generic level due to the similarity shown between the sequences of congeners.