Merizocotyle-Icopae, Sp-Nov, and Thaumatocotyle-Australensis, Sp-Nov, (Monogenea, Monocotylidae) From the Nasal Cavities of Rajiform Elasmobranchs of the Great-Barrier-Reef

Abstract

Monocotylid monogeneans were found in the nasal cavities of rajiform fishes taken off Heron I., Great Barrier Reef. Merizocotyle icopae, sp. nov., is proposed for worms from Rhinobatos batillum and differs from all other named Merizocotyle spg in that the haptor has five loculi arranged symmetrically round the central depression, and 18 peripheral loculi. Also, eye spots are present. Thaumatocotyle australensis, sp. nov., is proposed for worms from Himantura uarnak and differs from all other named Thaumatocotyle spp. in the morphology of the penis and the presence of a conspicuously muscular accessory genital bulb. In order to accommodate the new species emended generic diagnoses are provided, and the diagnoses for the Monocotylidae and Merizocotylinae are modified.