Novel insights into the genetics, morphology, distribution and hosts of the global fish parasitic digenean Proctoeces maculatus (Looss, 1901) (Digenea: Fellodistomidae)

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Date
2023Author
Vermaak, Anja
Kudlai, Olena
Yong, Russell Q-Y.
Smit, Nico J.
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Larval stages of the widely distributed digenean species Proctoeces maculatus (Looss, 1901)
were reported 40 years ago from South Africa in the common octopus, Octopus vulgaris
Cuvier (Octopodidae). However, the absence of adult specimens and molecular data from
this region has hindered a comprehensive understanding of its distribution. In this study,
we collected three species of intertidal and near-shore marine fishes [Clinus superciliosus
(L.) (Clinidae), Diplodus capensis (Smith) (Sparidae) and Sparodon durbanensis (Castelnau)
(Sparidae)] along the South African coast and discovered adult specimens of P. maculatus
at five localities. By employing a combination of morphological and molecular techniques,
including 28S rDNA, 18S rDNA and COI mtDNA analyses, the first report of adult P. macu latus from South Africa is presented. The findings encompass a comprehensive morphological
description and molecular data, illuminating the true distribution of this species in the region.