Description of Sinodiplectanotrema malayanum n. sp. (Monogenea: Diplectanidae), with comments on the taxonomic position of the genus

Abstract

Monogeneans identified as Sinodiplectanotrema malayanum n. sp. were collected from the fish Pennahia anea (Sciaenidae) off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The new species is recognised on the basis of morphometrical differences in the anchors, marginal hooks and eggs and apparent differences in the 28S rDNA sequence data. The new species possesses features (ovary looping the intestinal caecum, body spines, a vagina and haptoral reservoirs) not noted in the original description of the type and only other species of the genus, S. argyrosomus Zhang, 2001, necessitating the re-assignment of the genus to the Diplectanidae Monticelli, 1903, a move which is supported by 28S rDNA evidence. Sinodiplectanotrema is redefined on the basis of the observation of several features not included in the original diagnosis.

Monogenoids (Diplectanidae, Polyonchoinea) from the gills of mojarras (Perciformes, Gerreidae) with the resurrection of Neodiplectanum Mizelle & Blatz, 1941 and the proposal of Darwinoplectanum n. gen.

“…The presence of conspicuous superficial root of the dorsal anchor is also reported from the diplectanid species of Sinodiplectanotrema Zhang, 2001. However, they can be distinguished from members of Neodiplectanum by having deep root of the dorsal anchor modified as stiff rod attached by flexible hinge and haptor without connecting bars and accessory adhesive organ (Lim et al 2010). These findings allow us to amend the diagnosis for Diplectanidae proposed by Domingues & Boeger (2008) by considering the dorsal anchor with conspicuous (i.e., Neodiplectanum, Sinodiplectanotrema) or inconspicuous/knob-like superficial root (i.e., the other genera of Diplectanidae).…”