Contribution to the knowledge of parasitic fauna of Pomano Dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis): new records in the Atlantic ocean

Abstract

There are two species in the Coryphaenidae family belonging to the genus Coryphaena: Coryphaena equiselis and C. hippurus. Both species have very similar morphological characteristic, making it very difficult to differentiate between them, to the detriment of C. equiselis that is mostly mistaken as C. hippurus. Thus, there is not a lot of information available on the biology of C. equiselis, as well as, on its parasitic fauna. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the presence of the species of Dinurus in C. equiselis living in the Atlantic Ocean, specifically in Canarian waters. Analysing and identifying the parasites found in 11 fishes that were discarded from the supermarket due to the heavy external parasitation that they presented. Measurements of the parasites were taken, and the ratios of the organs were calculated to use as a morphological character for their identification. Pearson and Spearman correlations were done to assess the usefulness of the ratios, A hierarchical cluster was done to help create the taxonomical key for the different Dinurus species taking into consideration the ratios calculated. Five species of Dinurus were identified: D. longisinus, D. breviductus, D. tornatus, D. coryphaenae and D. ivanosi. The presence of new unreported species of Dinurus is noted