Echinocephalus sinensis n.sp. (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) from the ray ( Aetabatus flagellum) in Hong Kong, Southern China

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Author: Ko, Ronald C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1975
• Subjects: Crassostrea gigas
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z75-063; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z75-063

Mature and young adults of Echinocephalus sinensis n.sp. are described from the intestine of eagle rays (Aetabatus flagellum Bloch and Schneider) caught in Deep Bay, Hong Kong. This new species is readily distinguished from the other members of the genus by the number of rows of cephalic spines, presence of cuticularized preoesophageal serrations, length of spicules, presence of a gubernaculum, and the number and distribution of caudal papillae. Oysters (Crassostrea gigas Thunberg) probably are the intermediate host of this parasite. Second- and third-stage echinocephalid larvae found in these molluscs are described. The taxonomic status of Echinocephalus is briefly discussed and the generic diagnosis is emended.