Didymozoidae
| Didymozoidae | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Platyhelminthes |
| Class: | Trematoda |
| Order: | Plagiorchiida |
| Suborder: | Hemiurata |
| Superfamily: | Hemiuroidea |
| Family: | Didymozoidae Monticelli, 1888 |
Didymozoidae is a family of parasitic flatworms (class Trematoda) within the order Plagiorchiida. The group comprises endoparasitic flukes that primarily infect the tissues of marine teleost fishes.[1]
Adult didymozoids are typically found encysted within the tissues of pelagic fishes, especially tunas and mackerels. The paired worms are enclosed within a shared cyst, which provides protection and facilitates reproduction. The family includes numerous genera such as Didymozoon, Nematobothrium, and Allometanematobothrioides.[2]
Distribution
Species within the family Didymozoidae are found worldwide in tropical and temperate oceans, following the distribution of their pelagic fish hosts.[3]
Morphology
Members of the family exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism; the females are generally much larger and encase the smaller males within their bodies. Didymozoids have a highly reduced digestive system and obtain nutrients directly from the tissues or body fluids of their hosts.[4]
Genera
The following genera are recognised within the family Didymozoidae:[5]
- Adenodidymocystis Yamaguti, 1970
- Allodidymocodium Yamaguti, 1970
- Allometanematobothrioides Yamaguti, 1965
- Didymozoon Monticelli, 1888
- Nematobothrium Lühe, 1900
Genera
Genera:[6]
- Adenodidymocystis Yamaguti, 1970
- Allodidymocodium Yamaguti, 1970
- Allometanematobothrioides Yamaguti, 1965
References
- ^ Gibson, D. I. (2002). Keys to the Trematoda, Volume 1. CABI Publishing. ISBN 9780851995472.
- ^ "Didymozoidae Monticelli, 1888". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ "Didymozoidae". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ Bray, R. A. (2008). Keys to the Trematoda, Volume 3. CABI Publishing. ISBN 9781845933635.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: checksum (help) - ^ "Didymozoidae Monticelli, 1888". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 2025-11-12.
- ^ "Didymozoidae". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 13 May 2021.