Species of Tetrancistrum Goto & Kikuchi, 1917 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) from the gills of the whitespotted rabbitfish, Siganus canaliculatus (Park) (Perciformes: Siganidae) off Omani coasts, with a description of Tetrancistrum labyrinthus n. sp.

摘要

Tetrancistrum labyrinthus n. sp. is described from the gills of the marine herbivorous fish Siganus canaliculatus (Park) found in the Western Indian Ocean (Sea of Oman and Arabian Sea). Comparative morphological analyses of all previously described species of Tetrancistrum Goto & Kikuchi, 1917 confirmed the distinct status of T. labyrinthus n. sp. The new species closely resembles T. suezicum Paperna, 1972 and T. oraminii Young, 1967 in the morphology of the male copulatory organ. However, it can be distinguished by possessing a thin handle-like anterior basal flange and a compound accessory piece that is composed of a tapering rod-shaped anterior part and a large cylindrical, elongated posterior part. The new species can be further distinguished from other Tetrancistrum species by its highly sclerotised and complex disc-shaped vaginal vestibule. This is the first record of Tetrancistrum from the Sea of Oman and Arabian Sea, and the fourth of nominal species of Tetrancistrum known to parasitise Siganus canaliculatus (Park). In addition, T. indicum Paperna, 1972 is re-described here with an updated locality record.