Philometrid nematodes infecting fishes from the Everglades National Park, Florida, USA, with description of two new species

Researchers have identified two new species of philometrid nematodes infecting marine fishes in the Everglades National Park, Florida. Philometra brevispicula sp. n., found in the subcutaneous tissue of the mouth of gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), is distinguished by its small cephalic papillae, absence of oesophageal teeth, and unique caudal projections in gravid females, along with markedly short spicules in males. Philometroides grandipapillatus sp. n., detected in the pectoral fin muscle of crevalle jack (Caranx hippos), stands out due to its narrow, protruding cephalic region, large external cephalic papillae, and lack of caudal projections. Additionally, Caranginema americanum was recorded for the first time in the northern Gulf of Mexico from the same host. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to characterize these nematodes, contributing new insights into their taxonomy and host-parasite relationships within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Moravec, F., & Bakenhaster, M. (2010). Philometrid nematodes infecting fishes from the Everglades National Park, Florida, USA, with description of two new species. Folia Parasitologica, 57(3), 213–222. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2010.028