A new species of philometrid parasite (Nematoda, Philometridae) and histopathological lesions in juvenile whitemouth croakers, <i>Micropogonias furnieri</i> (Desmarest)

Abstract

A new species of nematode parasite, <i>Philometroides tahieli</i> sp. nov. is described. The juvenile whitemouth croaker, <i>Micropogonias furnieri</i> Desmarest, was collected during the spring and summer of the years 2008–2010 from estuarial environments of Argentina. During investigations of the parasite fauna a nematode encapsulated in the musculature of the operculum was found. The nematodes were removed from the host’s muscle tissue and slidemounted in lactophenol solution to clarify the specimens. Opercular muscle with the parasite was processed for histopathological examination. <i>Philometroides tahieli</i> sp. nov. can be identified by the location of gravid females in the host, presence of anterior oesophageal bulb, bosses on the surface of the body, presence of transversal mounds and 14 cephalic papillae in two circular rows. The pathogenicity of the parasite is low in the natural environment, but lesions are consistent with a chronic process. The appearance of caseous necrosis suggests the presence of a locally acting substance. <i>Philometroides tahieli</i> sp. nov. is the second species of this genera described from brackish waters, and since the discovery of <i>Philometroides maplestoni</i> in 1928, is the first species of this genus recorded for South America.