Three New Species of Echeneibothrium (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) from the Skate, Raja chilensis Guichenot, 1848, with Comments on Mode of Attachment and Host Specificity

Abstract

Echeneibothrium multiloculatum sp. n., E. williamsi sp. n., and E. megalosoma sp. n. are described from the spiral valve of 90 specimens of Raja chilensis collected off central Chile. In Echeneibothrium infections, attachment sites and host infectivity are indicated as at least a partial function of hold-fast type, mucosal pattern, and first worms established. This is the first report of the genus Echeneibothrium from South American waters.