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Title: MicroCT illuminates the unique morphology of Shiinoidae (Copepoda: Cyclopoida), an unusual group of fish parasites
The copepod family Shiinoidae Cressey, 1975 currently comprises nine species of teleost parasites with unusual morphology and a unique attachment mechanism. Female shiinoids possess greatly enlarged antennae that oppose a rostrum, an elongate outgrowth of cuticle that originates between the antennules. The antennae form a moveable clasp against the rostrum which they use to attach to their host. In this study, we use micro-computed tomography (microCT) to examine specimens ofShiinoa inaurisCressey, 1975in situattached to host tissue in order to characterize the functional morphology and specific muscles involved in this novel mode of attachment and to resolve uncertainty regarding the segmental composition of the regions of the body. We review the host and locality data for all reports of shiinoids, revise the generic diagnoses for both constituent generaShiinoaKabata, 1968 andParashiinoaWest, 1986, transferShiinoa rostrataBalaraman, Prabha & Pillai, 1984toParashiinoaasParashiinoa rostrata(Balaraman, Prabha & Pillai, 1984) n. comb., and present keys to the females and males of both genera.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2010898
PAR ID:
10561672
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
PAR
Date Published:
Journal Name:
PeerJ
Volume:
12
ISSN:
2167-8359
Page Range / eLocation ID:
e16966
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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