Neoechinorhynchus qatarensis sp. n. (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) from the blue-barred flame parrot fish, Scarus ghobban Forsskål, 1775, in Qatari waters of the Arabian Gulf

Abstract

Neoechinorhynchus qatarensis sp. n. (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) is described from the marine blue-barred flame parrot fish Scarus ghobban Forsskål, 1775 in the Arabian Gulf waters off the coast of Qatar. The new species is distinguished from all other species of the genus Neoechinorhynchus by its unique reproductive system and a glandular structure associated with the proboscis receptacle in both males and females. Other uncommon features of N. qatarensis are also discussed.