Gastrocotyle kurra, Unnithan, 1968

Hossen, Md Shafaet, Barton, Diane P., Wassens, Skye & Shamsi, Shokoofeh, 2022, Molecular characterisation of the Monogenea parasites of blue mackerel Scomber australasicus (Perciformes: Scombridae) in Australian waters, International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife 19, pp. 115-127 : 120

3.2.4. Gastrocotyle kurra

Ten specimens were observed in NSW waters ( Fig. 4a–f and Table 5). Body typically gastrocotylid and body proper divided into two regions. Anterior (neck) region narrow and contains pharyngeal or postpharyngeal area while main part of body proper (comparatively wider/leaf-like) contains a haptoral frill extending forwards from base of the terminal lappet to the centre and almost straight ( Fig. 4a ). Division between neck and body proper always clearly visible even in immature specimens. Maximum body width at level of the haptoral frill. Number of clamps 18–27 and arranged in a single row along the margin of the unilateral frill ( Fig. 4a ). Terminal lappet ( Fig. 4f ) in the form of a terminal knob containing three symmetrical pairs of oblique anchors: proximal anchors (largest), middle anchors (smallest), and distal anchors (intermediate between largest and smallest). Spindle-shaped eggs with a filament at each pole observed in a few specimens ( Fig. 4d ). Anterior filament slightly longer than the posterior filament.

Figures

Fig. 4. Gastrocotyle kurra ex Scomber australasicus. a) Whole body; b) Oral suckers with pharynx; c) Copulatory organ; d) A typical egg; e) A typical clamp; f) Terminal lappet with anchors.