Another hitchhiker exposed: Diceratocephala boschmai (Platyhelminthes: Temnocephalida) found associated with ornamental crayfish Cherax spp.

Abstract

There are known plenty tiny invertebrate species associated with decapod crustaceans. Our contribution documents the first record of New Guinean ornamental Cherax crayfish epibiont, Diceratocephala boschmai (Platyhelminthes: Temnocephalida) found in pet trade in the Czech Republic. Correct species assignment was confirmed by genetic barcoding. The pathway for introductions of organisms unintentionally moved in association with ornamental crayfish via the international trade has been highlighted. Although Cherax species survive in thermal waters in Europe, even potential introduction to these habitats posed threat to native crayfish ectosymbionts (branchiobdellids) thought similar ecological niche.