Presence of genital spines in a male Corynosoma cetaceum Johnston and Best, 1942 (Acanthocephala).

Abstract

We collected 83 females and 80 males of Corynosoma cetaceum from 2 common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, collected in northern Patagonia (Argentina). Worms were most similar to specimens collected in other South American localities. However, 1 male had 2 spines adjacent to the genital pore and isolated from the rest of body spines. This finding confirms the recent reassignment of C. cetaceum to Corynosoma. Absence of genital spines is suggested to be avoided as the sole criterion to exclude specimens from Corynosoma or Andracantha.