A new tapeworm from the Amazon, Amazotaenia yvettae gen. n., sp. n., (Eucestoda: Proteocephalidea) from the siluriform fishes Brachyplatystoma filamentosum and B. vaillanti (Pimelodidae)

Abstract

Amazotaenia yvettae gen. n. and sp. n. (Proteocephalidea, Monticelliidae. Peltidocotylinae) is described from the intestine of the black-backed filhote, Brachyplatystoma filamentosum and from the piramutaba, B. vaillanti (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) from Itacoatiara, Amazonia State, Brazil. The new genus differs from all other members of Peltidocotylinae in the morphology of the scolex, position of the vitelline follicles grouped in two elongated patches in the equatorial part of the proglottis, a smaller size of the strobila (less than 3 mm), smaller number of proglottides and smaller number of testes. The equatorial position of vitelline follicles, their shape in two elongated patches, the uterine development in Amazotaenia yvettae as well as the unusual behaviour of attachment in which individuals are grouped in compact clumps are peculiar within the Proteocephalidea. A key to the genera of the subfamily Peltidocotylinae is proposed. The sampling and processing methodology is also described in detail.