New host and geographical record for Mooleptus rabuka (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) in the largenose catshark Apristurus nasutus (Carchariniformes: Scyliorhinidae) off Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile

Abstract

The adult stage of the gnathostomatid nematode Mooleptus rabuka, is recorded for the first time from the stomach and intestine of the largenose catshark Apristurus nasutus, off Juan Fernandez Archipelago, Chile. Morphology and morphometry showed small mild differences (i.e., body size, oesophagus length and caudal alae) when compared with specimens previously recorded at Japan. Possibly the host species and locality may have some effects on the nematode morphology.