Acanthobothrium electricolum sp. n. and A. lintoni Goldstein, Henson, and Schlicht 1969 (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) from Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers) (Chondrichthyes: Torpedinidae) in Colombia

Abstract

Acanthobothrium lintoni and a new species of Acanthobothrium are reported from the lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis in Colombia. The new species resembles all other members of the genus parasitizing torpedinids by having a relatively small scolex, long and spinose cephalic peduncle, fewer than 75 testes per proglottid, an indistinct genital atrium, and V-shaped ovaries with ovarian lobes of equal length which do not reach the posterior margin of the cirrus sac. The new species differs from all known species by having bothridial hooks only 46 to 64 ,um in total length. A key to the species of Acanthobothrium parasitizing torpedinids is presented. Species of tetraphyllidean cestodes belong- ing to the genus Acanthobothrium Beneden 1849 and parasitizing elasmobranchs of the family Torpedinidae possess relatively small scolices, extremely long cephalic peduncles covered with spines, fewer than 75 testes per proglottid, indistinct genital atria, and V- shaped ovaries with equal-length lobes which do not reach anteriorly to the posterior margin of the cirrus sac. Examination of 14 specimens of the lesser electric ray Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers) captured in the vicinity of Cartagena, Colombia, revealed infections of two species of Acanthobothrium: A. lintoni Goldstein, Hen- son, and Schlicht 1969, and a new species described herein. Rays were collected with beach seines and kept in holding tanks until examined. Helminths were removed from the