Diploproctodaeum spp. (Digenea, Lepocreadiidae) in Australian and New Caledonian waters including two new species from Tetraodontiformes and new records of related species

Researchers have identified two new species of trematodes, Diploproctodaeum monstrosum and Diploproctodaeum triodoni, from Tetraodontiformes fish hosts in Australian and New Caledonian waters. D. monstrosum, found on Arothron stellatus and A. mappa off Lizard Island, is distinguished by a unique body-length ventral scoop, while D. triodoni, discovered in Triodon macropterus off New Caledonia, features extensive vitelline fields extending to the ventral sucker with folded margins. The study also reports new records of related trematode species from additional hosts or localities, including Diploproctodaeum haustrum and several others, highlighting potential convergent evolution in body form among trematodes infecting tetraodontids, particularly Arothron species. The findings contribute to the understanding of parasitic diversity and host-parasite relationships in these regions.

Bray, R., Cribb, T., & Justine, J.-L. (2010). Diploproctodaeum spp. (Digenea, Lepocreadiidae) in Australian and New Caledonian waters including two new species from Tetraodontiformes and new records of related species. Acta Parasitologica, 55(4). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11686-010-0049-8