Ichthyofilaria argentinensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Philometridae) parasite of Merluccius hubbsi (Pisces: Merlucciidae)

Abstract

The present work deals with a new nematode species, Ichthyofilaria argentinensis, found in the swim bladder of the Argentine common hake, Merluccius hubbsi Marini, 1933, from the Southwest Atlantic sector between 34º and 48ºS. Ichthyofilaria argentinensis sp. nov. is characterized by its smooth cuticle and fusiform body. The mouth is simple and does not have lips. The robust oesophagus is divided into two sections, an anterior muscular and a posterior glandular, from which a free glandular appendage arises, directed backwards.

Keywords

• nematodes
• Philometridae
• Ichthyofilaria argentinensis
• hake