A new species of Cardiodectes Wilson C.B., 1917 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Pennellidae) from Spinyjaw greeneye, Chlorophthalmus corniger Alcock, 1894 off the Indian Ocean.

Abstract

A new species of flesh penetrating parasitic copepod of the genus CardiodectesWilson C.B., 1917 (Siphonostomatoida: Pennellidae) parasitizing the fish Spinyjaw greeneye, Chlorophthalmus cornigerAlcock, 1894 (Chlorophthalmidae), inhabiting at depths of 265 to 458 meters from the south-west coast of India is described and illustrated. The new species, Cardiodectes vampire sp. nov., can be distinguished from its other 16 congeners by the following features: (i) trunk 3.15 times as long as wide; (ii) extremely long (3.5 times as long as total body length) and uncoiled egg sacs; (iii) difference in the armature of legs 13; (iv) comparatively longer trunk (0.7 times as long as total body length). A checklist of valid global species of Cardiodecteswith its host and distribution is also provided.