Research Article
Print
Research Article
New species of Rockacestus (Cestoda, Phyllobothriidea) from skates of the genus Bathyraja (Rajiformes, Arhynchobatidae) in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean with comments on the distribution of the genus
expand article infoGuillermina García Facal‡§, Verónica A. Ivanov‡§†, Adriana Menoret‡§
‡ Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
§ CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
† Deceased author

Corresponding author: Guillermina García Facal ( guillefacal@gmail.com )

Corresponding author: Adriana Menoret ( menoret.a@gmail.com )

Academic editor: Pavel Stoev
© 2024 Guillermina García Facal, Verónica A. Ivanov, Adriana Menoret.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation: García Facal G, Ivanov VA, Menoret A (2024) New species of Rockacestus (Cestoda, Phyllobothriidea) from skates of the genus Bathyraja (Rajiformes, Arhynchobatidae) in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean with comments on the distribution of the genus. Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(2): 357-372. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.117956
ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9ED1E923-03F7-4EA2-906B-76A828481099
Open Access

Abstract

Three new species of Rockacestus Caira, Bueno & Jensen, 2021 were recovered from arhynchobatid skates taken between 37°S–55°S in the Magellanic Province, Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. was found in Bathyraja macloviana (Norman, 1937), whereas Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov., and Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov. were found in Bathyraja magellanica (Philippi, 1902). These species differ from their congeners in having a particular combination of anatomical features, including a moderate to highly folded bothridia, presence of a uteroduct, and a seminal receptacle. Cross-sections of mature proglottids were made for the first time in members of the genus. In addition, the microthrix pattern was described in detail, focusing on the distal bothridial surface, including the apical sucker and marginal loculi resulting in a common microthrix configuration with filitriches and small lanceolate, lingulate, and a particular kind of coniform spinitriches. The diagnosis of Rockacestus is revised to include several features exhibited by the new species. The distribution data of the species currently assigned to Rockacestus are compiled and updated. The finding of R. blasi sp. nov., R. magellanicus sp. nov., and R. ottavianoi sp. nov. not only increases the number of members of Rockacestus in the Magellanic Province in the Southwestern Atlantic from one to four but also expands our knowledge of phyllobothriideans and their association with the softnose skates of the genus Bathyraja Ishiyama, 1958 in the Southern Hemisphere.

Key Words

Bathyraja, genus distribution, MPA Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank, Rockacestus blasi sp. nov., Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov., Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov., Southern Hemisphere

Introduction

The genus Rockacestus Caira, Bueno & Jensen, 2021 was recently erected to house phyllobothriidean species bearing folded bothridia, with apical sucker and marginal loculi, which parasitize rajiform skates (Caira et al. 2021).

The genus currently comprises ten species formally described from Arhynchobatidae and Rajidae skates, mostly inhabiting temperate and cold waters in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (Kay 1942; Williams 1968a, 1968b; Schmidt 1986; Wojciechowska 1991; Caira et al. 2021). Rockacestus brittanicus (Williams, 1968) described from Raja montagui Fowler, 1910, Rockacestus williamsi (Schmidt, 1986) recovered from Leucoraja fullonica (Linnaeus, 1758), and Rockacestus piriei (Williams, 1968) found in Leucoraja naevus (Müller & Henle, 1841) were reported from the Northern European Seas Province sensu Spalding et al. (2007) (see Williams 1968a, 1968b). Caira et al. (2021) described Rockacestus carvajali Caira, Bueno & Jensen, 2021 from Dipturus chilensis (Guichenot, 1848) off Chiloé between the limits of the Magellanic and the Warm Temperate Southeastern Pacific Provinces, while Rockacestus radioductus (Kay, 1942) was found in Beringraja binoculata (Girard, 1855) in the Cold Temperate Northeast Pacific (Kay 1942; Caira et al. 2021). Rockacestus conchai Caira, Bueno & Jensen, 2021 was recovered from Bathyraja albomaculata (Norman, 1937) off Malvinas Islands in the Magellanic Province (Caira et al. 2021). The remaining four species of Rockacestus registered from the southernmost latitudes to date (i.e., Rockacestus arctowskii [Wojciechowska, 1991], Rockacestus georgiensis [Wojciechowska, 1991], Rockacestus rakusai [Wojciechowska, 1991], and Rockacestus siedleckii [Wojciechowska, 1991]) mostly parasitize skate species of the genus Bathyraja Ishiyama, 1958 with records in the Scotia Sea, and the Continental high Antarctic Province (Wojciechowska 1991).

During fieldworks conducted between 2011–2016 off Argentina in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWA), skates of the genus Bathyraja were found to be parasitized with cestodes of three new species of Rockacestus. The descriptions of the new species include detailed morphological features; cross-sections of mature proglottids are presented for the first time for the genus. Likewise, more information on microtriches of the genus is presented.

Materials and methods

Sampling

Tapeworms examined in this study were collected from a total of ten skates belonging to two species of the genus Bathyraja: five specimens of Bathyraja macloviana (Norman, 1937) and five specimens of Bathyraja magellanica (Philippi, 1902) (Rajiformes, Arhynchobatidae). The skates were caught from different localities along the SWA. Three specimens of B. macloviana were caught off Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego Province at 54°29.50'S, 65°3.16'W (assigned unique host number PD3-026), off Necochea, Buenos Aires Province at 39°53.99'S, 57°0.64'W (PD3-255) and 39°52.64'S, 56°38.72'W (PD3-257) all in March 2011. Two specimens of B. macloviana were caught off Villa Gesell, Buenos Aires Province at 37°33.10'S, 55°19.20'W (PD5-205) in August 2012 and off the Marine Protected Area Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank at 53°55.92'S, 61°31.93'W (PD12-430) in April 2016. Additionally, one specimen caught off Buenos Aires Province at 39°34.28'S, 56°16.16'W was examined in March 2011 and showed no signs of infection with phyllobothriideans. The specimens of B. magellanica were caught off Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego Province at 53°26.35'S, 64°58.56'W (assigned unique host number PD4-059) and 54°1.68'S, 67°6.81'W (PD4-097) in April 2012, 53°51.36'S, 67°03.84'W (PD10-039) in March 2014, 54°19.91'S, 64°14.26'W (PD12-479) in April 2016, and off the Marine Protected Area Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank at 54°32.60'S, 60°1.28'W (PD12-045) in March 2016. Also, five uninfected specimens were caught off Tierra del Fuego Province at 55°03.34'S, 66°07.82'W in March 2014. All hosts were obtained with bottom trawls on board the RV Puerto Deseado (CONICET). All tapeworms were removed from the spiral intestine of their respective host, relaxed in seawater, fixed in 10% formalin, and transferred to 70% ethanol for storage.

Preparation of specimens for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy

Methods for preparing specimens as whole mounts for descriptive work using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) followed Menoret and Ivanov (2021). The terminal proglottid of one specimen of Rockacestus from B. macloviana, one tapeworm of Rockacestus from B. magellanica, and one detached mature proglottid of a specimen of Rockacestus from B. magellanica were embedded in paraffin, and serial cross-sections were cut at a thickness of 8 μm. Sections were stained with Harris’ haematoxylin, counterstained with eosin, and mounted in Canada balsam. Whole mounts and histological sections were examined and measured using Olympus BX 51 and Zeiss Axioscope compound microscopes. Micrographs of whole mounts and histological sections were taken using Olympus LC30 camera; drawings were made with the aid of a drawing tube, both attached to the Olympus BX 51 compound microscope. Measurements are expressed as the range, followed in parentheses by the mean, standard deviation (when n ≥3), and the number of worms from which the measurements were taken. Measurements of genitalia and reproductive structures were taken from mature proglottids of mature and gravid worms. All measurements are in micrometres unless otherwise stated.

Mapping and geographic sites

Geographic coordinates in degrees and minutes of type locality and additional localities of the species ofthe species of Rockacestus were extracted from the original descriptions. Estimated coordinates were assigned to those records that lacked such information in the original publication. The geographic distribution of the Rockacestus species was charted using the PANMAP software v.0.9.6 (Diepenbroek et al. 2002).

Terminology

Terminology of microtriches follows Chervy (2009). Valid species of Rockacestus follow Caira et al. (2021). Valid host names follow Froese and Pauly (2023). Marine bioregions follow Spalding et al. (2007) for a global scale and Sabadin et al. (2020) for regionalization in the SWA.

Material examined and museum abbreviations

The museum material examined includes light micrographs of one paratype of R. carvajali (USNM No. 1638652), and two paratypes of R. conchai (USNM Nos. 1638654 and 1638655), provided by Anna Phillips from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History–Invertebrate Zoology Collection, Washington, D.C., USA. Museum abbreviations are as follows: MACN-Pa, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales, Colección Parasitológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina; MLP-He, Museo La Plata, Colección Helmintológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Results

Order Phyllobothriidea Caira, Jensen, Waeschenbach, Olson & Littlewood, 2014

Genus Rockacestus Caira, Bueno & Jensen, 2021

Rockacestus blasi sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/E014EFBD-32EB-489A-9449-B1E5B4D45A9D
Figs 1A, 2, 3, 7A–C, 8

Type material

Holotype whole mature worm, off Villa Gesell, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina (37°33.10'S, 55°19.20'W), 98.7 m, 06 Aug. 2012, A. Menoret leg., MACN-Pa No. 783.

Paratypes 1 whole mature worm, 1 whole gravid worm, 1 detached gravid proglottid, same data as holotype, MACN-Pa Nos. 784/1–3. One detached gravid proglottid, same data as for preceding, MLP-He No. 8097. One whole mature worm, 1 detached gravid proglottid, off Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina (54°29.50'S, 65°3.16'W), 133 m, 16 Mar. 2011, V. A. Ivanov & A. Menoret leg., MACN-Pa Nos. 786/1–2. Nine whole gravid worms, cross-section of 2 attached mature proglottid, off Necochea, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina (39°52.64'S, 56°38.72'W), 91.3 m, 27 Mar. 2011, V. A. Ivanov & A. Menoret leg., MACN-Pa Nos. 785/1–9, 785/11–24. Three whole gravid worms, same data as for preceding, MLP-He No. 8096. One whole gravid worm, off Necochea, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina (39°53.99'S, 57°0.64'W), 94 m, same data as for preceding, MACN-Pa No. 785/10. One whole immature worm, off the Marine Protected Area Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank, Argentina (53°55.92'S, 61°31.93'W), 184 m, 19 Apr. 2016, A. Menoret leg., MACN-Pa No. 787.

Description

Based on 18 specimens (14 whole gravid worms, 3 whole mature worms, 1 immature worm), 3 detached gravid proglottids, cross-sections of 1 mature proglottid, and 3 scoleces examined with SEM. Worms apolytic, proglottids craspedote. Specimens possessing mature proglottids, 26.8–45.2 (35.7 ± 9.2, n = 3) mm long, 140–204 (163 ± 36, n = 3) proglottids per worm. Specimens possessing gravid proglottids, 22.3–50.9 (36.1 ± 7.6, n = 14) mm long, 106–162 (128 ± 18, n = 14) proglottids per worm (Fig. 1A). Maximum width at level of scolex or immature proglottid. Scolex composed of 4 bothridia, 400–830 (621 ± 127, n = 17) long, 580–1,220 (891 ± 193, n = 17) wide. Bothridia folded, 375–685 (506 ± 100, n = 8) long, 425–750 (571 ± 113, n = 8) wide when folded, sessile anteriorly, free posteriorly; with apical sucker and marginal loculi (Figs 2A, 3A, 8B). Posterior part of each bothridium with weak depression surrounded by circular band of muscle (Fig. 2A). Apical sucker, 80–123 (107 ± 14, n = 13) long, 85–135 (113 ± 13, n = 13) wide (Figs 2A, 3A, B). Cephalic peduncle, absent. Neck 8.8–18.5 (14.0 ± 3.0, n = 17) mm long.

Figure 1. 

Light micrographs of whole worms of Rockacestus from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. A. Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. (holotype MACN-Pa No. 783) from Bathyraja macloviana; B. Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov. (holotype MACN-Pa No. 789) from Bathyraja magellanica; C. Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov. (holotype MACN-Pa 793) from Bathyraja magellanica.

Figure 2. 

Line drawings of Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. from Bathyraja macloviana. A. Scolex (holotype MACN-Pa No. 783); B. Terminal mature proglottid (holotype MACN-Pa No. 783); C. Detail of terminal genitalia, terminal mature proglottid (holotype MACN-Pa No. 783).

Figure 3. 

Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. from Bathyraja macloviana, scanning electron micrographs. A. Scolex, small letters indicate the location of details shown in Fig. 3B, 3F–G, 3I, 3K; B. Apical sucker, small letters indicate location of detail shown in Fig. 3C–D; C. Distal surface of apical sucker, acicular filitriches and lingulate spinitriches; D. Surface of the external apical sucker rim, lanceolate spinitriches; E. Detail of distal surface of the apical sucker, acicular filitriches; F. Distal bothridial surface, lingulate spinitriches; G. Distal surface of marginal loculi, acicular filitriches and short coniform spinitriches; H. Detail of distal surface of marginal loculi; I. Proximal bothridial surface, acicular filitriches; J. Distal bothridial surface, detail of lingulate spinitriches; K. Scutes on surface of neck.

Apex of scolex proper covered with acicular filitriches. Proximal bothridial surface covered with acicular filitriches (Fig. 3I). Distal bothridial surface covered with acicular filitriches interspersed with lingulate spinitriches, lingulate spinitriches increasing in density posteriorly (Fig. 3F, J). Distal surface of apical sucker covered with acicular filitriches interspersed with lingulate spinitriches; posterior half of external rim of apical sucker with small lanceolate spinitriches (Fig. 3B–E). Distal surface of marginal loculi covered with papilliform to acicular filitriches interspersed with short coniform spinitriches (Fig. 3G, H). Capilliform filitriches on neck and strobila arranged in scutes (Fig. 3K). Cilia not observed.

Specimens possessing mature proglottids with 133–202 (158 ± 38, n = 3) immature proglottids and 2–7 (5 ± 3, n = 3) mature proglottid per worm. Mature proglottids becoming longer than wide posteriorly (Fig. 1A). Terminal mature proglottid, 940–1,360 (1,180 ± 216, n = 3) long, 600–800 (727 ± 110, n = 3) wide, length-to-width ratio, 1.6–1.7 (1.6 ± 0.1): 1. Specimens possessing gravid proglottids with 99–146 (120 ± 17, n = 14) immature proglottids, 4–8 (7 ± 1.5, n = 14) mature proglottids, and 1–2 (1 ± 0.4, n = 14) gravid proglottids per worm. Gravid proglottids longer than wide. Terminal gravid proglottid, 1,180–1,820 (1,591 ± 203, n = 14) long, 620–970 (783 ± 97, n = 14) wide, length-to-width ratio, 1.4–2.9 (2.1 ± 0.4): 1 (Fig. 2B).

Testes spherical to slightly oblong, 75–96 (86 ± 9, n = 4) in total number, 55–88 (78 ± 10, n = 17) long, 54–93 (77 ± 10, n = 17) wide, extending from anterior margin of proglottid to anterior quarter of the ovary; arranged in 6–8 columns anteroposteriorly and 3–4 layers deep in cross-section observed in anterior portion of proglottid (Figs 2B, 7A). Postvaginal testes present. Cirrus sac oval, curved anteriorly, 276–450 (379 ± 42, n = 16) long, 115–175 (148 ± 19, n = 16) wide. Cirrus coiled, armed with minute spinitriches. Vas deferens highly coiled, anterior and adjacent to medial margin of cirrus sac, entering cirrus sac through anterior margin (Figs 2B, C, 7B).

Ovary lobulated, H-shaped in frontal view, X-shaped in cross-section at level of isthmus, 230–580 (350 ± 79, n = 17) long, 250–610 (456 ± 83, n = 17) wide (Figs 2B, 7C). Vagina thick-walled, extending anteriorly from ootype region forming a seminal receptacle, then running laterally along vas deferens bulk to anterior quarter of proglottid, recurving posteriorly to enter genital atrium anterior to cirrus sac (Figs 2B, C, 7C). Vagina and cirrus open into a small common genital atrium, 40–85 (66 ± 14, n = 16) deep. Genital pores alternate irregularly, 54–73% (61 ± 5, n = 17) of proglottid length from posterior margin of proglottid. Vitellarium follicular, follicles irregular in shape, 31–52 (41 ± 9, n = 17) long, 50–80 (70 ± 10, n = 17) wide, arranged in 2 lateral bands almost reaching midline in anterior third of proglottid, each band consisting of multiple columns (5 columns of follicles anterior to cirrus sac), extending throughout the length of proglottid, uninterrupted by ovary, partially interrupted by genital atrium (Figs 2B, 7A–C). Uterus saccate, restricted to region between ovary and cirrus sac, running anteriorly up to genital pore level; uterine duct not observed (Fig. 2B). Mehlis´ gland, 80–115 (101 ± 8, n = 15) long, 60–110 (94 ± 13, n = 15) wide, posterior to the ovarian isthmus (Fig. 2B).

Detached gravid proglottids, 2,300–2,525 (2,392 ± 118, n = 3) long, 725–775 (758 ± 29, n = 3) wide, length-to-width ratio, 3.0–3.3 (3.2 ± 0.1): 1.

Host

Bathyraja macloviana (Norman, 1937), Patagonian skate (Rajiformes, Arhynchobatidae) (type host). Prevalence of infection, 83% in B. macloviana (5 hosts infected out of 6 examined).

Etymology

This species is named in memory of the first author’s father, Blas García Mallarine for his invaluable love, support, and encouragement over the years.

Distribution

This species is widespread along the continental shelf of Argentina occurring from waters off Buenos Aires Province to southeast Patagonia including the Marine Protected Area Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank, Argentina (Fig. 9).

Remarks

Specimens of R. blasi sp. nov. can easily be distinguished from five valid species in the genus by the total length. Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. is longer than R. carvajali and R. conchai (22.3–50.9 mm vs. 13.1–14.5 mm and 9.9–16.9 mm, respectively), and is shorter than R. brittanicus, R. georgiensis and R. williamsi (22.3–50.9 mm vs. 170–250 mm, 60–170 mm, and 90 mm, respectively). Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. differs from R. piriei, R. radioductus, and R. rakusai in possessing fewer testes (75–96 vs. 137–165, ≥100, and 120–165, respectively). Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. can also be distinguished from R. radioductus in the distribution of testes (arranged in 6–8 columns in anteroposterior view vs. more than 15), the distribution of the vitelline follicles in the anterior third of the proglottid (reaching almost the midline of the proglottid vs. restricted to lateral bands), and in the position of the genital pore (54–73% from the posterior margin of the proglottid vs. equidistant from the anterior and posterior margin of the proglottid). Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. can be distinguished from R. arctowskii by the number of proglottids (140–204 vs. 24–98, respectively). Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. is different than R. siedleckii in the length of the scolex (400–830 vs. 840–960, respectively) and in the size of the apical sucker (80–135 vs. 185–220, respectively). Finally, R. blasi sp. nov. can be distinguished from 9 members in the genus by being apolytic instead of euapolytic.

Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/E935F2CC-AFED-490F-98B7-C426CC919F07
Figs 1B, 4A–C, 5, 7D–F

Type material

Holotype whole mature worm; off Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina (53°51.36'S, 67°03.84'W), 58 m, 31 Mar. 2014, A. Menoret leg., MACN-Pa No. 789.

Paratypes 1 whole mature worm, 1 mature strobila, 2 detached mature proglottid, cross-section of 1 detached mature proglottid, off Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina (54°19.91'S, 64°14.26'W), 122 m, 22 Apr. 2016, A. Menoret leg., MACN-Pa Nos. 790/1–14. One strobila, 1 detached mature proglottid, same data as preceding, MLP-He No. 8098. One whole mature worm, off Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina (53°26.35'S, 64°58.56'W), 130 m, 1 Apr. 2012, A. Menoret leg., MACN-Pa No. 792. One whole mature worm, off the Marine Protected Area Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank (54°32.60'S, 60°1.28'W), 98 m, 30 Mar. 2016, A. Menoret leg., MACN-Pa No. 791. One whole mature worm, same data as preceding, MLP-He No. 8099.

Description

Based on 7 specimens (5 whole mature worms and 2 strobilae without scoleces), 5 detached mature proglottids, 3 detached gravid proglottids, cross-sections of 1 detached mature proglottid, and 3 scoleces examined with SEM. Worms euapolytic, 9.9–19.5 (14.4 ± 4.0, n = 5) mm long, 61–115 (90.3 ± 23, n = 7) craspedote proglottids per worm (Fig. 1B). Maximum width at level of scolex or immature proglottids. Scolex composed of 4 bothridia, 520–810 (631 ± 113, n = 5) long, 779–1,050 (944 ± 116, n = 5) wide (Figs 4A, 5A). Bothridia folded, 450–471 (n = 2) long, 411–550 (n = 2) wide when folded, sessile anteriorly, free posteriorly, with apical sucker and marginal loculi. Posterior part of each bothridium with weak depression surrounded by circular band of muscle (Figs 4A, 5A). Apical sucker, 70–105 (84 ± 17, n = 4) long, 70–100 (85 ± 17, n = 4) wide (Figs 4A, 5A, B). Cephalic peduncle, absent. Neck, 3.6–8.3 (5.4 ± 2.0, n = 5) mm long.

Figure 4. 

Line drawings of species of Rockacestus from the Southwestern Atlantic. A–C. Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov. from Bathyraja magellanica; A. Bothridium (paratype MLP-He No. 8099); B. Detail of ootype region, mature proglottid (paratype MACN-Pa No. 790/4); C. Terminal mature proglottid (paratype MLP-He No. 8098); D–E. Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov. from Bathyraja magellanica; D. Bothridium (paratype MACN-Pa No. 794/1); E. Terminal mature proglottid (holotype MACN-Pa No. 793).

Figure 5. 

Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov. from Bathyraja magellanica, scanning electron micrographs. A. Scolex, small letters indicate the location of details shown in Fig. 5B, 5E–I; B. Apical sucker, small letters indicate the location of details shown in Fig. 5C–D; C. Surface of the external apical sucker rim, acicular filitriches and lanceolate spinitriches; D. Distal apical sucker surface, acicular filitriches and lingulate spinitriches; E–F. Distal bothridial surface, acicular filitriches and lingulate spinitriches; G. Proximal bothridial surface, acicular filitriches, and cilium (white arrow); H. Apex of scolex, acicular filitriches; I. Distal surface of marginal loculi, acicular filitriches and coniform spinitriches; J. Scutes on surface of neck; K. Detail of scutes, capilliform filitriches; L. Detail of microtriches in marginal loculi and cilium (white arrow).

Apex of scolex proper covered with acicular filitriches (Fig. 5H). Proximal bothridial surface covered with acicular filitriches (Fig. 5G). Distal bothridial surface covered with acicular filitriches interspersed with lingulate spinitriches, lingulate spinitriches increasing in density posteriorly (Fig. 5E, F). Distal surface of apical sucker covered with acicular filitriches interspersed with lingulate spinitriches; posterior half of external rim of apical sucker with lanceolate spinitriches (Fig. 5B–D). Distal marginal loculi surface covered with papilliform to acicular filitriches interspersed with short coniform spinitriches (Fig. 5I, L). Capilliform filitriches on neck and strobila arranged in scutes (Fig. 5J, K). Cilia observed in proximal and distal bothridial surfaces, including apical sucker and marginal loculi (Fig. 5G, L).

Immature proglottids wider than long, 59–109 (84 ± 23, n = 7) in number. Mature proglottids wider than long, becoming longer than wide with maturity, 2–7 (4 ± 2, n = 7) in number (Fig. 1B). Terminal mature proglottid longer than wide, 925–1,430 (1,115 ± 201) long, 376–680 (502 ± 111) wide, length-to-width ratio, 1.4–2.7 (2.3 ± 0.4, n = 6): 1 (Fig. 4C).

Testes oblong, 67–89 (76 ± 8, n = 6) in total number, 51–67 (62 ± 6, n = 6) long, 44–57 (49 ± 5, n = 6) wide, extending from anterior margin of proglottid to anterior quarter of ovary; arranged in 5–6 columns anteroposteriorly and 2 layers deep in cross-section observed in anterior portion of proglottid (Figs 4C, 7D). Cirrus sac oval, curved anteriorly, 200–340 (269 ± 58, n = 6) long, 95–140 (118 ± 18, n = 6) wide. Cirrus coiled, armed with minute spinitriches. Vas deferens highly coiled, extending anteriorly to vagina bend, overlapping medial margin of cirrus sac, entering cirrus sac through ventral margin (Figs 4C, 7E).

Ovary lobulated, H-shaped in frontal view, X-shaped in cross-section at level of isthmus, 255–615 (418 ± 135, n = 6) long, 163–375 (246 ± 75, n = 6) wide (Figs 4B, C, 7F). Vagina thick-walled, extending anteriorly from ootype region forming a seminal receptacle to bulk of vas deferens, then descending laterally along anterior margin of cirrus sac to enter genital atrium anterior to cirrus (Figs 4C, 7F). Vagina and cirrus sac join into genital atrium, 40–60 (53 ± 12, n = 3) deep. Genital pores alternate irregularly, 62–75% (68 ± 5, n = 6) of proglottid length from posterior margin of proglottid.

Vitellarium follicular, follicles irregular in shape, 15–34 (26 ± 7, n = 6) long, 38–55 (47 ± 6, n = 6) wide, arranged in 2 lateral bands almost reaching midline in anterior third of proglottid, each band consisting of multiple columns (4 columns of follicles anterior to cirrus sac), extending throughout proglottid length, uninterrupted by ovary, partially interrupted by genital atrium (Figs 4C, 7D–F). Uterus saccate, restricted to region between ovary and cirrus sac, running anteriorly up to genital pore level; uterine duct observed (Figs 4C, 7F). Mehlis´ gland, 55–110 (77 ± 20, n = 5) long, 55–75 (71 ± 9, n = 5) wide, posterior to ovarian isthmus (Fig. 4B, C).

Detached mature proglottids, 1,650–2,075 (1,875 ± 207, n = 5) long, 550–770 (654 ± 99, n = 5) wide, length-to-width ratio, 2.7–3.2 (2.9 ± 0.2, n = 5): 1. Detached gravid proglottids, 2,300–2,525 (2,392 ± 118, n = 3) long, 725–775 (758 ± 29, n = 3) wide, length-to-width ratio, 3.0–3.3 (3.2 ± 0.1): 1.

Host

Bathyraja magellanica (Philippi, 1902), Magellan skate (Rajiformes, Arhynchobatidae) (type host). Prevalence of infection, 40% in B. magellanica (4 hosts infected out of 10 examined).

Etymology

The specific name refers to the species distribution along the Magellanic Province in the Argentine Sea, SWA.

Distribution

This species is known from southern waters off Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina including the Marine Protected Area Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank, Argentina (Fig. 9).

Remarks

Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov. is shorter than R. blasi sp. nov., R. brittanicus, R. georgiensis, R. piriei, R. radioductus, R. rakusai, R. siedleckii, and R. williamsi (9.9–19.5 vs. 22.3–250 mm in total length, respectively). Specimens of R. magellanicus sp. nov. have fewer testes than those of R. carvajali (67–89 vs. 46–55, respectively). Moreover, R. magellanicus sp. nov. has lingulate spinitriches and acicular filitriches on the distal surface of the bothridia whereas R. carvajali has only papilliform filitriches. Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov. differs from R. conchai in the scolex width (779–1,050 vs. 1,122–1,775, respectively), size of bothridia (450–471 long by 411–550 wide vs. 478–624 long by 600–830 wide, respectively). Additionally, R. magellanicus sp. nov. has acicular filitriches and small lingulate spinitriches on the distal surface of apical sucker whereas R. conchai only has acicular filitriches. Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov. is different from R. arctowskii in the size of the cirrus sac (200–340 long by 95–140 wide vs. 370–480 long by 154–215 wide, respectively) and in the size of the apical sucker (70–105 long by 70–100 wide vs. 212–250 in diameter, respectively).

Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/75E09CF2-DC8D-470D-97EA-1ACEA43C6644
Figs 1C, 4D, E, 6, 7G–I

Type material

Holotype whole mature worm, off Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina (54°1.68'S, 67°6.81'W), 193 m, 2 Apr. 2012, A. Menoret leg., MACN-Pa No. 793.

Paratypes 1 whole mature worm, 1 whole mature strobila (SEM voucher), cross-section of 1 attached mature proglottid, same data as holotype, MACN-Pa Nos. 794/1–13. One whole mature worm, same data as for preceding, MLP-He No. 8100.

Description . Based on 4 specimens (3 whole mature worms, and 1 strobila without scolex), cross-sections of 1 mature proglottid, and 2 scoleces examined with SEM. Worms euapolytic, 23.1–53.1 (39.1 ± 13.8, n = 4) mm long, 124–195 (156 ± 36, n = 3) craspedote proglottids per worm (Fig. 1C). Maximum width at level of scolex. Scolex composed of 4 bothridia, 590–750 (648 ± 70, n = 4) long, 978–1,250 (1,133 ± 36, n = 4) wide (Figs 4D, 6A). Bothridia folded, 530–600 (570 ± 36, n = 3) long, 520–720 (613 ± 101, n = 3) wide when folded, sessile anteriorly, free posteriorly, consisting of apical sucker and marginal loculi. Posterior part of each bothridium with weak depression surrounded by circular band of muscle (Figs 4D, 6A). Apical sucker 100–130 (113 ± 15, n = 3) long, 110–140 (125 ± 13, n = 3) wide (Figs 4D, 6A, B). Cephalic peduncle, absent. Neck 11.6–25.3 (19.4 ± 6.0, n = 4) mm long.

Figure 6. 

Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov. from Bathyraja magellanica, scanning electron micrographs. A. Scolex, small letters indicate the location of details shown in; B. Apical sucker, small letters indicate the location of details shown in Fig. 6C, D; C. Surface of the external apical sucker rim, acicular filitriches and small lingulate spinitriches; D. Detail of distal apical sucker surface, lingulate spinitriches; E. Apex of scolex, acicular to capilliform filitriches; F, G. Distal bothridial surface, acicular filitriches and lingulate spinitriches; H. Proximal bothridial surface, acicular filitriches; I. Distal surface of marginal loculi, acicular filitriches and short coniform spinitriches; J, K. Scutes on surface of neck; L. Detail of microtriches on marginal loculi.

Apex of scolex proper covered with acicular to capilliform filitriches (Fig. 6E). Proximal bothridial surface covered with acicular filitriches (Fig. 6H). Distal bothridial surface covered with acicular filitriches interspersed with lingulate spinitriches, lingulate spinitriches increasing in density posteriorly (Fig. 6F, G). Distal surface of apical sucker covered with acicular filitriches interspersed with small lingulate spinitriches; posterior half of external rim of apical sucker with lanceolate spinitriches (Fig. 6B–D); cilia found throughout distal surface of apical sucker. Distal surface of marginal loculi covered with acicular filitriches interspersed with short coniform spinitriches (Fig. 6I, L). Capilliform filitriches on neck and strobila arranged in scutes (Fig. 6J, K).

Immature proglottids wider than long, 123–179 (150 ± 28, n = 3) in number (Fig. 1C). Mature proglottids wider than long, becoming longer than wide with maturity, 2–16 (6 ± 7, n = 4) in number (Fig. 1C). Terminal mature proglottid longer than wide, 970–1,460 (1,220 ± 207) long, 570–760 (663 ± 81) wide, length-to-width ratio, 1.4–2.3 (1.9 ± 0.4, n = 4): 1 (Fig. 4E).

Testes oblong, 92–152 (108 ± 39, n = 3) in total number, 55–68 (60 ± 5, n = 4) long, 43–52 (46 ± 4, n = 4) wide, extending from anterior margin of proglottid to anterior quarter of ovary; arranged in 6–7 columns anteroposteriorly and 2 layers deep in cross-section observed in anterior portion of proglottid (Figs 4E, 7G). Cirrus sac oval, curved anteriorly, 350-395 (365 ± 26, n = 3) long, 125-165 (138 ± 23, n = 3) wide. Cirrus coiled, armed with minute spinitriches. Vas deferens highly coiled, extending anteriorly to vagina bend, overlapping medial portion of cirrus sac, anterior to cirrus sac (Fig. 4E).

Ovary lobulated, H-shaped in frontal view, X-shaped in cross-section at level of isthmus, 345–500 (408 ± 81, n = 3) long, 235–355 (292 ± 60) wide (Figs 4E, 7I). Vagina thick-walled, extending anteriorly from the ootype region forming a seminal receptacle, to bulk of vas deferens descending laterally along anterior margin of cirrus sac to enter genital atrium anterior to cirrus (Figs 4E, 7I). Vagina and cirrus sac join into genital atrium, 50–60 (55 ± 7, n = 2) deep. Genital pores alternate irregularly, 68–74% (71 ± 2, n = 4) of proglottid length from posterior margin of proglottid. Vitellarium follicular, follicles irregular in shape, 28–55 (39 ± 12, n = 4) long, 43–50 (46 ± 3, n = 4) wide, arranged in 2 lateral bands almost reaching the midline in anterior third of proglottid, each band consisting of multiple columns (5–6 columns anterior to cirrus sac) of follicles, extending throughout the length of proglottid, uninterrupted by ovary, interrupted partially by genital atrium (Figs 4E, 7G–I). Uterus saccate, restricted to region between ovary and cirrus sac running anteriorly up to genital pore level, uterine duct observed (Figs 4E, 7H). Mehlis´ gland, 90–110 (99 ± 9, n = 4) long, 63–100 (76 ± 17, n = 4) wide, posterior to ovarian isthmus (Fig. 4E).

Figure 7. 

Light micrographs of cross-sections of mature proglottids of species of Rockacestus off Argentina. A–C. Rockacestus blasi sp. nov.; A. At the level of the testes, anterior to the cirrus sac; B. At the level of the cirrus sac; C. At the level of ovarian isthmus; D–F. Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov.; D. At the level of the testes, anterior to the cirrus sac; E. At the level of the cirrus sac; F. At the level of ovarian isthmus; G–I. Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov; G. At the level of the testes, anterior to the cirrus sac; H. At the level of the cirrus sac; I. At the level of ovarian isthmus; cs — cirrus sac; oc — ovicapt; ov — ovary; sr — seminal receptacle; t — testes; u — uterus; ut — uteroduct; vd — vas deferens; vf — vitelline follicle; vg — vagina; vod — ventral osmoregulatory duct.

Host

Bathyraja magellanica (Philippi, 1902), Magellan skate (Rajiformes, Arhynchobatidae) (type host). Prevalence of infection, 10% in B. magellanica (1 host infected out of 10 examined).

Etymology

This species is named in honor of Juan Manuel Ottaviano for his genuine and loyal friendship over the years.

Distribution

This species is known from its type locality, off Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina (54°1.68'S, 67°6.81'W).

Remarks

Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov. can be distinguished from R. arctowskii, R. carvajali, R. conchai, and R. magellanicus sp. nov. by having more testes (92–152 vs. 60–80, 46–55, 51–73, and 67–89, respectively) and a greater number of proglottids (124–195 vs. 24–98, 75–81, 64–105, and 61–115, respectively). Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov. is easily distinguished from three of its congeners by the worm length by being shorter than R. brittanicus, R. georgiensis, and R. williamsi (23.1–53.1 vs. 170–250, 60–170, and 90 mm, respectively). Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov. can be distinguished from three species in the genus by having different size of apical sucker. In R. rakusai and R. siedleckii, it is bigger than in R. ottavianoi sp. nov. (250–310 and 185–220 in diameter vs. 100–130 long by 110–140 wide, respectively), whereas in R. piriei it is smaller (90 in diameter vs. 100–130 long by 110–140 wide, respectively). Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov. has a narrower scolex (978–1,250 in scolex width) and bigger testes (43–52 long by 55–68 wide) than R. radioductus (1,800–2,000 in scolex width; 40 in testes diameter). Finally, R. ottavianoi sp. nov. is euapolytic and has testes distributed in 2 layers deep in cross-section, whereas R. blasi sp. nov. is apolytic and has testes arranged in 3–4 layers deep in cross-section.

Update of generic diagnosis and distribution of valid species of Rockacestus

The diagnosis of Rockacestus sensu Caira et al. (2021) is revised to include the three species described below from the skates of the genus Bathyraja from continental shelf waters off Argentina. The generic diagnosis is updated as follows: worms euapolytic or apolytic; scolex spinitriches lingulate, lanceolate, coniform, filitriches papilliform or acicular; genital pores lateral, in midhalf or anterior half of proglottid, irregularly alternating; testes arranged in 2–4 rows in cross-section; vagina with seminal receptacle present or absent; uteroduct present or absent.

The valid species now include, Rockacestus arctowskii (Wojciechowska, 1991), Rockacestus blasi sp. nov., Rockacestus brittanicus (Williams, 1968), Rockacestus carvajali Caira, Bueno & Jensen, 2021, Rockacestus conchai Caira, Bueno & Jensen, 2021, Rockacestus georgiensis (Wojciechowska, 1991), Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov., Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov., Rockacestus piriei (Williams, 1968), Rockacestus radioductus (Kay, 1942), Rockacestus rakusai (Wojciechowska, 1991), Rockacestus siedleckii (Wojciechowska, 1991), and Rockacestus williamsi (Schmidt, 1986).

The genus is widespread among temperate waters of the East Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, with R. brittanicus, R. piriei, and R. williamsi inhabiting the Northeast Atlantic Ocean; R. radioductus in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, R. carvajali from off Chiloé Island in the Southeast Pacific Ocean, and R. conchai off Malvinas Islands in the SWA. A subset of Rockacestus species also inhabits sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters, with R. georgiensis from off South Georgia Island, R. rakusai registered off the Antarctic Peninsula, and records of R. arctowskii and R. siedleckii off the Antarctic Peninsula and the Weddel Sea. Rockacestus blasi sp. nov., R. magellanicus sp. nov. and R. ottavianoi sp. nov. are restricted to the Magellanic Province sensu Sabadin et al. (2020) in the SWA. The finding of the new species increases the species richness from two to five in marine waters around South America. Thus, the known latitudinal range of the genus in the Northern Hemisphere covers from 48°N to 58°N whereas in the Southern Hemisphere Rockacestus now ranges between 37 to 74°S (Fig. 9).

Discussion

Scolex

A well-relaxed tapeworm scolex represents a challenge, as it often results in a contracted material, making difficult a proper characterization of the actual shape of the bothridia. For example, among members of the Phyllobothriidea, specimens of Guidus show a marked bothridial projection, and those of R. piriei exhibits highly folded bothridia when attached to the gut mucosa of their hosts (figs 13, 14 in Williams [1968b], fig. 4E in Menoret and Ivanov [2021]).

Among the scoleces herein described, R. magellanicus sp. nov. and R. ottavianoi sp. nov. exhibit bothridia with a higher degree of folding than R. blasi sp. nov. A few specimens of R. blasi sp. nov. were fixed while still attached to the host, appearing to have significantly folded bothridia (Fig. 8A). However, the typical scolex of these specimens is obtained once removed from the host and properly relaxed (Fig. 8B).

Figure 8. 

Light micrographs of scoleces of Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. A. Bothridia fixed while still attached to the host tissue (paratype MACN-Pa No. 787); B. Bothridia properly relaxed and fixed (paratype MACN-Pa No. 784/2).

Rockacestus conchai was originally described as having a scolex with highly folded bothridia, however, it resembles the contracted scoleces of R. piriei and R. blasi sp. nov. (see Fig. 8A). Therefore, the degree of the bothridial folding would be a useful character to distinguish between species, as long as it is verified that this variability is not given by an artifact of the fixation technique.

Ultrastructure of the scolex (SEM)

The surface of the scolex has been analyzed with SEM in five of the now 13 valid species of Rockacestus. Among the five species, R. carvajali and R. conchai were partially studied, with R. carvajali mostly characterized by papilliform filitriches (see fig. 8B, D, E in Caira et al. [2021]). The new species of Rockacestus from off Argentina, in addition to R. conchai, exhibit a common microthrix pattern, with acicular filitriches distributed along the bothridial surfaces, capilliform filitriches arranged in scutes on the neck, and lingulate spinitriches in most of the distal bothridial surface. Both the apical sucker and the marginal loculi are novel results of the present study and characterize R. blasi sp. nov., R. magellanicus sp. nov., and R. ottavianoi sp. nov. by the presence of small lingulate and lanceolate spinitriches on the distal surface of the apical sucker and coniform spinitriches with rounded tips covering the distal surface of the marginal loculi (Figs 3C, D, G, 5B, D, I, L, 6B, D, I, L).

Given that most of these species studied with SEM exhibit a variety of spinitriches, it is likely that the scolex of R. carvajali has been based on micrographs with a low resolution or magnification. It would be important to complete the study all along the distal bothridial surface in R. carvajali and R. conchai, such as the apical sucker and the marginal loculi, to verify if they are similar in the type and distribution of microtriches and cilia to those observed in the new species of Rockacestus off Argentina. The majority of spinitriches found in Rockacestus belong to morphotypes rarely observed among the phyllobothriideans. For example, lingulate-like spinitriches were reported in the phyllobothriid Crossobothrium laciniatum Linton, 1889 (see Ruhnke 2011) but they actually are trullate spinitriches sensu Chervy (2009). In contrast, the lanceolate spinitriches exhibited by the new species and described in this study have not yet been reported among members of the order. Additionally, the particular kind of short coniform spinitriches with rounded tips observed in the marginal loculi of these three new species (Figs 3G, 5I, L, 6I, L) is reported for the first time among cestodes, showing an increasing variety of microtriches as new cestode taxa are discovered. Therefore, the diversity of spinitriches in the genus should be extended to include coniform and lanceolate morphotypes rather than only lingulate (not gladiate) as mentioned in the original diagnosis of Rockacestus.

Proglottid and terminal genitalia characters

Among the diagnostic features of the genus, Caira et al. (2021) characterized Rockacestus by being euapolytic and lacking a seminal receptacle.

Specimens of R. brittanicus were originally described by Williams (1968a) as euapolytic, however, this author showed a uterus filled with eggs in the terminal proglottids (see fig. 13 in Williams [1968a]). This discrepancy, also noticed by Ruhnke (2011), could be resolved once the type material of R. brittanicus is examined. To date, R. blasi sp. nov. remains the only apolytic species in the genus. Kay (1942) described R. radioductus having a seminal receptacle and provided ink drawings of its morphology (fig. 5 in Kay [1942]), being the first report of this structure in the genus. Furthermore, Wojciechowska (1991) mentioned an enlarged vagina in the proximal portion between the ovary lobes in R. arctowskii, R. georgiensis, R. rakusai, and R. siedleckii (see fig. 1B in Wojciechowska [1991]). In addition, a vagina enlarged in a seminal receptacle near the ovary isthmus is observed in whole mounts and confirmed in cross-sections of mature proglottids of R. blasi sp. nov., R. magellanicus sp. nov. and R. ottavianoi sp. nov. (Fig. 7C, F, I). Therefore, the genus now consists of apolytic and euapolytic specimens and a seminal receptacle is present in some species. In addition, some information such as the size of the Mehlis´gland, the presence or absence of an uteroduct, and the entrance site of the vas deferens in the cirrus sac were described for the first time for the Argentinian species of Rockacestus.

Host associations and host-specificity

Previous records of Rockacestus include a total of nine oioxenous species found in marine skates belonging to the families Rajidae (i.e., R. brittanicus, R. carvajali, R. georgiensis, R. piriei, R. radioductus, and R. williamsi), and Arhynchobatidae (i.e., R. arctowskii, R. conchai, and R. rakusai) (Kay 1942; Williams 1968a, 1968b; Schmidt 1986; Wojciechowska 1991; Caira et al. 2021). The exception is R. siedleckii, which parasitizes two different species of Bathyraja (see Wojciechowska 1991; Rocka and Zditowiecki 1998). The finding of the three species described in this study, not only increases the number of oioxenous species of the genus, but also brings the total number of species of Rockacestus as parasites of arhynchobatid skates to seven. This study comprises the first report of Rockacestus species in B. macloviana and B. magellanica. Furthermore, it is the second record of a single softnose skate species harboring several species of Rockacestus (Wojciechowska 1991; Rocka and Zditowiecki 1998; this paper).

To date, a total of seven species of Bathyraja skates were registered as hosts of phyllobothriideans (Franzese et al. 2023; this work). Among them, Rockacestus most resembles Guidus Ivanov, 2006 since both exhibit a tight association with Bathyraja skates from the SWA and off Antarctica (Menoret and Ivanov 2021). Although B. maccaini and B. magellanica host several phyllobothriideans, more surprising is that a single individual of B. magellanica became a suitable host for a complex of phyllobothriidean species. Particularly, our individual PD4-097 was found to host simultaneously R. ottavianoi sp. nov., Guidus francoi Menoret & Ivanov, 2021, and Guidus magellanicus Menoret & Ivanov, 2021.

Beer et al. (2019), relying only on sequencing, identified several species of a new genus of phyllobothriids recovered from seven species of Bathyraja from the Malvinas Islands Shelf. Their specimens not deposited into any museum were later considered by Caira et al. (2021) as members of Rockacestus. It would be interesting to identify these specimens at specific level in order to estimate more precisely the richness of the genus in the SWA.

Geographic distribution

Species of Rockacestus are closely associated with temperate, sub-Antarctic, and Antarctic waters. The Northern Hemisphere is represented only by a few species, including R. brittanicus, R. piriei, R. radioductus, and R. williamsi, as parasites of rajid skates (Kay 1942; Williams 1968a, 1968b; Schmidt 1986). In contrast, the remaining nine species occur in the Southern Hemisphere, mostly parasitizing arhynchobatid skates of the genus Bathyraja (Wojciechowska 1991; Caira et al. 2021; this paper). Ten species (i.e., R. brittanicus, R. carvajali, R. conchai, R. georgiensis, R. magellanicus sp. nov., R. ottavianoi sp. nov., R. piriei, R. radioductus, R. rakusai, and R. williamsi) are restricted to their type locality and surrounding areas. In contrast, R. arctowskii, R. blasi sp. nov., and R. siedleckii do not show this pattern. Rockacestus arctowskii and R. siedleckii were recorded off the Antarctic Peninsula and in the eastern part of the Weddell Sea, whereas R. blasi sp. nov. is, to date, the species with the broadest latitudinal range (37°S–54°S) occurring from waters off Buenos Aires Province to southeast Patagonia (Fig. 9). The southern distribution of R. magellanicus sp. nov. and R. ottavianoi sp. nov. resembles members of G. francoi and G. magellanicus as they remain locally restricted to the Magellanic Province in the SWA despite the wider distribution of their host. Although reports in the SWA have increased in the recent years due to focused sampling efforts in the area (Menoret and Ivanov 2009, 2012a, 2012b, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2023; Mutti and Ivanov 2016; Menoret et al. 2017; Franzese and Ivanov 2018, 2020a, 2020b, 2021; Franzese et al. 2022, 2023), it would be interesting to see if the composition of the Rockacestus fauna which is currently restricted to the type locality changes as the sampling area of host continues to expand.

Figure 9. 

Geographic distribution of the valid species of Rockacestus from the Southern Hemisphere. Symbols: red dot: new records; blue dot: previous records; Rar – Rockacestus arctowskii; Rbl – Rockacestus blasi sp. nov.; Rca – Rockacestus carvajali; Rco – Rockacestus conchai; Rge – Rockacestus georgiensis; Rma – Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov.; Rot – Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov.; Rra – Rockacestus rakusai; Rsi – Rockacestus siedleckii.

Recently, Sabadin et al. (2020) proposed a bioregionalization scheme of the SWA, based on chondrichthyan assemblages, and showed that eight species of Bathyraja, including B. magellanica, are dominant species of batoids in the Magellanic Province. Regarding the tight association of the genera Rockacestus and Guidus with the genus Bathyraja in the SWA and considering that the nine new geographic records of Rockacestus herein reported are in the Magellanic Province, we, therefore, expect that as the sampling spectrum increases among Bathyraja species in the region, the discovery of new species of Rockacestus and Guidus will also increase. Finally, R. blasi sp. nov. and R. magellanicus sp. nov. are new reports of phyllobothriideans after Guidus argentinense Ivanov, 2006, off a marine protected area (see Menoret and Ivanov 2021). The discovery of new species of Rockacestus from skates of the genus Bathyraja from off Argentina increases the number of species from one to four in the SWA and the number of valid species in the genus from ten to 13, expanding its geographical range and bringing the percentage of phyllobothriideans inhabiting the Southern Hemisphere to 39%.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks are due to Juan M. Díaz de Astarloa, Ezequiel Mabragaña, Gabriela Delpiani, and Diego M. Vázquez from Laboratorio de Biotaxonomía Morfológica y Molecular de Peces (Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET) for their help in the identification of hosts collected on board of the RV Puerto Deseado. The authors are indebted to Sebastián Franzese and Alejandro Martinez for sorting part of the material studied in the laboratory. Special thanks are due to Anna Phillips from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for providing us with the digital micrographs of the type material of species of Rockacestus. We are also very grateful to Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) for allowing us to work on board the RV Puerto Deseado. Also special thanks to Pavel Stoev, Editor of Zoosystematics and Evolution, and to the reviewers for their helpful and insightful suggestions. This work was supported by the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBACyT 20020130100617BA), CONICET (PIP 11220150100705), the Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica-ANPCyT (grant number PICT 2014-2358 to VAI and PICT 2016-3672 to AM), and the American Museum of Natural History (Lerner-Gray Memorial Fund for Marine Research 2018 to GGF). This study was conducted under collecting permits No. 39 and No. 260 from the Dirección Provincial de Pesca-Ministerio de Asuntos Agrarios de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. This work is the contribution No. 75 to the MPA Namuncurá (Law 26.875).

References

  • Beer A, Ingram T, Randhawa HS (2019) Role of ecology and phylogeny in determining tapeworm assemblages in skates (Rajiformes). Journal of Helminthology 93(6): 738–751. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X18000809
  • Caira JN, Jensen K, Waeschenbach A, Olson PD, Littlewood DTJ (2014) Orders out of chaos–molecular phylogenetics reveals the complexity of shark and stingray tapeworm relationships. International Journal for Parasitology 44(1): 55–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.10.004
  • Caira JN, Bueno V, Jensen K (2021) Emerging global novelty in phyllobothriidean tapeworms (Cestoda: Phyllobothriidea) from sharks and skates (Elasmobranchii). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 193(4): 1336–1363. https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa185
  • Chervy L (2009) Unified terminology for cestode microtriches: A proposal from the International Workshops on Cestode Systematics in 2002–2008. Folia Parasitologica 56(3): 199–230. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2009.025
  • Diepenbroek M, Grobe H, Reinke M, Schindler U, Schlitzer R, Sieger R, Wefer G (2002) PANGAEA–An information system for environmental sciences. Computers & Geosciences 28(10): 1201–1210. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0098-3004(02)00039-0
  • Franzese S, Ivanov VA (2018) Hyperapolytic species of Acanthobothrium (Cestoda: Onchoproteocephalidea) from batoids off Argentina. Parasitology International 67(4): 431–443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parint.2018.04.001
  • Franzese S, Ivanov VA (2020a) : Two new species of Acanthobothrium Blanchard, 1848 (Cestoda: Onchoproteocephalidea) from rajiform batoids off Argentina. Folia Parasitologica 67: 016. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2020.016
  • Franzese S, Ivanov VA (2020b) A new genus of Rhinebothriidea from species of Psammobatis (Rajiformes: Arhynchobatidae) off Argentina. Zootaxa 4803(2): 355–372. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4803.2.7
  • Franzese S, Ivanov VA (2021) Two new species of Scalithrium (Cestoda: Rhinebothriidea) from rajiform batoids of the Argentine Sea. Zootaxa 5005(1): 62–76. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5005
  • Franzese S, Mutti LD, Tropea C, Ivanov VA (2022) Morphological study of members of the genus Echeneibothrium (Cestoda: Rhinebothriidea: Echeneibothriidae) from rajiform skates of the Argentine Sea and analysis of the phylogenetic relationships within the family Echeneibothriidae. Zoologischer Anzeiger 299: 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2022.05.002
  • Franzese S, García Facal G, Menoret A (2023) Tapeworms (Platyhelminthes, Cestoda) from marine chondrichthyans of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, and the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic islands: A checklist. ZooKeys 1163: 78–119. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1163.100485
  • Froese R, Pauly D (2023) FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. http://www.fishbase.org [Accessed 1 September 2023]
  • Girard CF (1855) Characteristics of some cartilaginous fishes of the Pacific coast of North America. Proceedings. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 7: 196–197. https://biostor.org/reference/67169
  • Guichenot A (1848) Notice sur l’établissement d’un nouveau genre de Chétodons. Revue Zoologique par la Société Cuvierienne 11: 12–14.
  • Ishiyama R (1958) Studies on the rajid fishes (Rajidae) found in the waters around Japan. Journal of the Shimonoseki College of Fisheries 7: 193–394.
  • Kay MW (1942) A new species of Phyllobothrium Van Beneden from Raja binoculata (Girard). Transactions of the American Microscopical Society 61: 261–266. https://doi.org/10.2307/3222596
  • Menoret A, Ivanov VA (2009) New name for Progrillotia dollfusi Carvajal et Rego, 1983 (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha): description of adults from Squatina guggenheim (Chondrichthyes: Squatiniformes) off the coast of Argentina. Folia Parasitologica 56(4): 284–294. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2009.033
  • Menoret A, Ivanov VA (2012a) A new species of Heteronybelinia (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) from Sympterygia bonapartii (Rajidae), Nemadactylus bergi (Cheilodactylidae) and Raneya brasiliensis (Ophidiidae) in the south-western Atlantic, with comments on host specificity of the genus. Journal of Helminthology 87(4): 467–482. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X12000545
  • Menoret A, Ivanov VA (2012b) Description of plerocerci and adults of a new species of Grillotia (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) in teleosts and elasmobranchs from the Patagonian shelf off Argentina. The Journal of Parasitology 98(6): 1185–1199. https://doi.org/10.1645/GE-3107.1
  • Menoret A, Ivanov VA (2014) Eutetrarhynchid trypanorhynchs (Cestoda) from elasmobranchs off Argentina, including the description of Dollfusiella taminii sp. n. and Parachristianella damiani sp. n., and amended description of Dollfusiella vooremi (São Celemente et Gomes, 1989). Folia Parasitologica 61(5): 411–431. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2014.056
  • Menoret A, Ivanov VA (2015) Trypanorhynch cestodes (Eutetrarhynchidae) from batoids along the coast of Argentina, including the description of new species in Dollfusiella Campbell et Beveridge, 1994 and Mecistobothrium Heinz et Dailey, 1974. Folia Parasitologica 62: 058. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2015.058
  • Menoret A, Ivanov VA (2021) New species of Guidus Ivanov, 2006 (Cestoda: Phyllobothriidea) from Bathyraja magellanica (Philippi) from the Patagonian Continental Shelf of Argentina. Folia Parasitologica 68: 011. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2021.011
  • Menoret A, Ivanov VA (2023) Cestodes of Pseudobatos horkelii (Müller and Henle) (Rhinopristiformes) including Rhinebothrium quequense n. sp. (Rhinebothriidea) and Caulobothrium pieroi n. sp. (“Tetraphyllidea”) from the southwestern Atlantic. Zootaxa 5361(1): 87–102. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5361.1.4
  • Menoret A, Mutti L, Ivanov VA (2017) New species of Aberrapex Jensen, 2001 (Cestoda: Lecanicephalidea) from eagle rays of the genus Myliobatis Cuvier (Myliobatiformes: Myliobatidae) from off Argentina. Folia Parasitologica 64: 009. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2017.009
  • Mutti LD, Ivanov VA (2016) A new species of Paraberrapex Jensen, 2001 (Cestoda: Lecanicephalidea) from Squatina guggenheim Marini (Squatiniformes: Squatinidae) off Argentina. Folia Parasitologica 63: 007. https://doi.org/10.14411/fp.2016.007
  • Philippi RA (1902) Descripción de cinco nuevas especies chilenas del orden de los Plagióstomos. Anales de la Universidad de Chile 109: 303–315.
  • Rocka A, Zditowiecki K (1998) Cestodes in fishes of the Weddell Sea. Acta Parasitologica 2: 43.
  • Ruhnke TR (2011) Tapeworms of elasmobranchs (Part III) A Monograph on the Phyllobothriidae (Platyhelminthes, Cestoda). Bulletin of the University of Nebraska State Museum 25 (i–xii), Nebraska, 205 pp. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/museumbulletin/33/
  • Sabadin DE, Lucifora LO, Barbini SA, Figueroa DE, Kittlein M (2020) Towards regionalization of the chondrichthyan fauna of the Southwest Atlantic: A spatial framework for conservation planning. ICES Journal of Marine Science 77(5): 1893–1905. https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaa064
  • Schmidt GD (1986) : Handbook of tapeworm identification. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida. 24, 675 pp.
  • Spalding MD, Fox HE, Allen GR, Davidson N, Ferdaña ZA, Finlayson MAX, Halpner BS, Jorge MA, Lombana A, Lourie SA, Martin KD, McManus E, Molnar J, Recchia CA, Robertson J (2007) Marine ecoregions of the world: A bioregionalization of coastal and shelf areas. Bioscience 57(7): 573–583. https://doi.org/10.1641/B570707
  • Williams HH (1968a) The taxonomy, ecology and host-specificity of some Phyllobothriidae (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea), a critical revision of Phyllobothrium Beneden, 1849 and comments on some allied genera. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences 253: 231–307. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1968.0002
  • Williams HH (1968b) Phyllobothrium piriei sp. nov. (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) from Raja naevus with a comment on its habitat and mode of attachment. Parasitology 58(4): 929–937. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182000069699
  • Wojciechowska A (1991) New species of the genus Phyllobothrium (Cestoda, Tetraphyllidea) from Antarctic batoid fishes. Acta Parasitologica Polonica 36(2): 63–68.

1

This paper was mostly discussed prior to the death of Verónica A. Ivanov in January 2020.
login to comment