Digenetic trematodes parasitic on Engraulis anchoita (Pisces: Engraulidae) from Argentina and Uruguay

Abstract

A total of 2,086 specimens of Engraulis anchoita Hubbs et Marini (Pisces: Engraulidae), from waters off Argentina and Uruguay were examined for parasitic digeneans. Four species of digeneans were found, Parahemiurus merus (Linton, 1910) (adult) in the stomach; Lecithochirium microstomum Chandler, 1935 (non-ovigerous and ovigerous juveniles) in the swimbladder; Cardiocephaloides sp. (metacercaria) in the eyes and Rhipidocotyle sp. (metacercaria) in the musculature. These four species are recorded for the first time as parasites of E. anchoita.