Molecular characterization of Ichtyobronema hamulatum (Moulton, 1931) (Nematoda: Quimperiidae), a common parasite of burbot Lota lota (Linnaeus) (Actinopterygii: Lotidae)

Abstract

The phylogenetic analysis of partial SSU, LSU (rDNA) and COI (mtDNA) sequences was performed for the quimperiid nematode Ichtyobronema hamulatum, a common parasite of the burbot Lota lota. The study of SSU (for 2007 bp long alignment) has shown that in all kinds of analyses I. hamulatum cluster with Paraquimperia africana (Quimperiidae), while another quimperiid, Paraseuratum sp., unites in a separate clade with Spectatus spectatus (Kathlaniidae). Both groups do not form direct phylogenetic links with the rest of seuratoid nematodes (i.e. Cucullanidae and Seuratidae). Obtained data (for 1080 bp long alignment) exhibit the phylogenetic affinity of I. hamulatum and P. africana with kathlaniids of the genus Falcaustra. The analysis of LSU sequences has revealed that I. hamulatum occupies the basal position in relation to all other members of Spirurina and Rhabditina.

Keywords

• ichtyobronema
• lota
• nematoda
• phylogeny