Redescription of Neobrachiella spinicephala (Ringuelet, 1945) parasitic on Pinguipes brasilianus Cuvier, 1829 from Argentina, with the first description of the male

Abstract

Neobrachiella spinicephala (Ringuelet, 1945) (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Lernaeopodidae) is redescribed based on newly collected material from the Brazilian sandperch, Pinguipes brasilianus Cuvier, 1829, (the type host) from Mar del Plata, Argentina (the type locality). A description of the male is given for the first time. Although some differences were observed between the original description and the specimens examined in this study, these differences do not warrant a change in the taxonomic status of this species. Indeed, the generic status of the species is confirmed, especially based on characteristics of the male. © 2006 W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology, PAS.