Septitrema lichae n. g., n. sp. (Monogenea: Monocotylidae) from the nasal tissues of the deep-sea kitefin shark, Dalatias licha (Bonnaterre) (Squaliformes: Dalatiidae), off Algeria.

Abstract

Septitrema lichae n. g., n. sp. (Monogenea: Monocotylidae: Merizocotylinae) is described from the nasal tissue of the deep-sea kitefin shark, Dalatias licha (Bonnaterre) (Dalatiidae) collected off Algiers, Algeria. The new genus is distinguished from the other genera in the subfamily by the number and arrangement of the loculi on the haptor having one central and seven peripheral loculi. The diagnosis of the Merizocotylinae is amended to accommodate this species and a key to the genera of the Merizocotylinae is provided. Terminology of the haptoral loculi in the Merizocotylinae and the status of some of the genera in the subfamily are also discussed.