Allopodocotyle tunisiensis sp. nov. (Digenea, Opecoelidae), a parasite of Solea aegyptiaca (Teleostei, Soleidae) off Tunisia

Abstract

Allopodocotyle tunisiensis sp. nov. is described from the intestine of Solea aegyptiaca Chabanaud collected from the Gulf of Gabès in the Mediterranean Sea off Tunisia. The new species belongs to the group C of Allopodocotyle Pritchard, 1966 species (sensu Bray 1987). It differs from its congeners in this group by the shape of the seminal vesicle and the anterior extend of the vitellarium which varies between just posterior to the ventral sucker and anterior margin. A key to the Allopodocotyle species of group C is presented. The status of the genera Allopodocotyle and Macvicaria (Gibson and Bray 1982) are briefly discussed. © 2009 W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology, PAS.