Two species of Dioncopseudobenedenia Yamaguti, 1965 (Monogenea: Capsalidae) from Naso unicornis (Forsskål) (Acanthuridae) and Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus (Coryphaenidae) in western Japan, with a description of D. elongata n. sp. from N. unicornis.

Abstract

Three species of Dioncopseudobenedenia Yamaguti, 1965 (Monogenea: Capsalidae: Benedeniinae) have been described, all found parasitising Naso spp. (Acanthuridae) and Siganus lineatus (Siganidae), in Hawaii, the Great Barrier Reef, and New Caledonia in the Pacific. In this paper, D. elongata n. sp. is described, found parasitising the gills of N. unicornis (Forsskål) caught off Okinawa-jima Island. Dioncopseudobenedenia kala Yamaguti, 1965 is also reported, found parasitising the gills of N. unicornis, and those of a new host, the common dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus (Coryphaenidae), off Okinawa and Kochi prefectures, Japan. The new species differed from known species in both nuclear (28S rDNA and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and mitochondrial DNA (cox1) sequences. Morphologically, the new species differed from other species of Dioncopseudobenedenia in possessing a longer accessory sclerite and a thick, short penis. No species of Dioncopseudobenedenia have been detected during past examinations of C. hippurus; this instance was probably an accidental infection. A key for identification of the species of Dioncopseudobenedenia is also provided herein.