[New data on trematodes of Antarctic fish]

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Parasitology
• Ichthyology

Context:

• Exploration of deepwater fish fauna in Antarctic seas.
• Investigation of parasitic organisms in polar marine ecosystems.
• Sampling conducted across Amundsen Sea, d'Urville Sea, Ross Sea, Cooperation Sea, Weddell Sea, and Southwest Pacific.

Purpose:

• To identify and document trematode species infecting deepwater Antarctic fish.
• To provide updated taxonomic descriptions and diagnoses for identified trematodes.
• To establish new geographic records for trematode species in Antarctic waters.

Summary:

• Fourteen species of trematodes were identified from deepwater fishes collected in various Antarctic seas.
• Muraenolepitrema magnatestis and Helicometrina sp. represent novel findings in the Antarctic region.
• Muraenolepitrema magnatestis was redescribed, leading to an amended diagnosis for the genus Muraenolepitrema, noting its uroproct and loosely arranged glandular cells.

Impact:

• Expands the known biodiversity of Antarctic helminth parasites.
• Provides crucial taxonomic data for understanding parasite-host relationships in polar regions.
• Contributes to the baseline knowledge of Antarctic marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.