Piasecki, W., D. Barcikowska, R. Panicz, P. Eljasik & P. Kochmański. (2022). First step towards understanding the specific identity of fish muscle parasites of the
genus Sarcotaces (Copepoda: Philichthyidae)—New species and first molecular ID in
the genus. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife. 18: 33–44.
Piasecki, W., D. Barcikowska, R. Panicz, P. Eljasik & P. Kochmański
2022
First step towards understanding the specific identity of fish muscle parasites of the
genus Sarcotaces (Copepoda: Philichthyidae)—New species and first molecular ID in
the genus.
International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
Parasitic copepods of the genus Sarcotaces are remarkable. They occur in galls inside
skeletal the muscles of fishes and it is virtually impossible to overlook them, especially
during fish handling and processing. The galls contain an intensively black ink-like substance
that may stain fish tissue during filleting. They have a global distribution and until recently,
seven nominal species had been described, each from a host representing a different fish
family. Females of valid species are quite similar in their morphology, therefore the males are
essential for species determination. Even though such a task may be difficult, because of the
existing inadequate descriptions that additionally hinder correct identification. The aim of the
study was to provide a detailed morphological and molecular characterization of the
Sarcotaces specimens found in muscles of the common mora, Mora moro (Risso, 1810)
allegedly originating from the Falklands. The additional aim was to indicate possible mode
and strategy of infection for the parasitic copepods of the genus Sarcotaces. The present
paper not only describes and illustrates Sarcotaces izawai sp. nov. but also provides its
molecular ID based on the COI gene. In addition to traditional light microscopy studies
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was also used. Males of Sarcotaces izawai sp. nov.
differ from those of its congeners: in the host fish family, in the relative proportions of the
caudal rami, and in the setal formula of the antennulae. For the first time in this genus, we
described the maxillulae. We also discussed the possible mode and strategy of infection.
