Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

Museums

Regional Maps

Family HETERAXINIDAE Unnithan, 1957

Introduction

The Heteraxinidae is a family of marine polyopisthocotyleans comprising approximately 20 genera and about 45 described species that mostly parasitise the gills of Carangidae (jacks, pompanos and trevallies). In Australia, Zeuxapta seriolae from the gills of Seriola lalandi (Carangidae) has been problematic in Kingfish culture in South Australia (Hutson et al. 2007; Whittington & Chisholm 2008).

The heteraxinidae are characterised as follows: Haptor greatly asymmetrical, seldom unilateral due to reduction of clamps on opposite side. Clamps are microcotylid type but with supplementary processes trIdent or bident. Anchors frequently present and situated on posterior end of haptor on lappet. Buccal suckers usually aseptate. Intestinal limbs unfused, with lateral branches. Testes numerous, postovarial. Coplulative apparatus is varied in form. Ovary usually in the shape of a question mark. Vagina dorsal (double or single) or absent (Mamaev 1990).

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
12-Feb-2010 (import)