Checklist of digenean fauna infecting fishes of Kerala region, India

Abstract

Abstract A checklist of digenetic trematodes of fishes (both freshwater, brackish and marine) from Kerala is prepared on the basis of scientific articles published during the period from 1970 to 2022. To date, 94 species (72 adults and 22 metacercariae) belonging to 26 families and 62 genera were documented. The largest Family reported here is Hemiuridae under which ten genera and 23 species have been documented. For each parasite species, information is provided on the host(s), developmental stage(s), site(s) of infection, geographical locality (-ies) and the published source(s). Available illustrations have also been presented. ‘Keys to the Trematoda’ Volumes 1 to 3 are followed for presenting taxonomic status. The checklist forms the first complete listing of digenetic trematodes infecting marine, brackish and freshwater fishes of Kerala region, India. The current effort fills the demand for a checklist on diverse trematode fauna parasitizing fishes of Kerala which will be helpful to future researchers working on fish parasites.