Myripristis murdjan (Beryciformes: Holocentridae) a new host record for Cymothoa indica (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cymothoidae)

Abstract

          Cymothoa indica, a cymothoid isopod, is reported for the first time parasitizing Myripristis murdjan (Pinecone soldierfish), a reef-associated Indo-pacific fish, collected from the Red Sea, Egypt. The specimens observed are mature females and males. It is distinguishable from the other members in the genus principally by having a poorly developed amphicephalic process, oblong body, pyriform cephalon and presence of well-developed lobe on ischium of pereopod VII. Parasites were found in greater numbers in the buccal cavity (62.5%) than in the branchial cavity (18.75%) of Myripristis murdjan with a total prevalence of 81.3%. In addition to the infection prevalence, mean intensity and site specificity are discussed.