Synopsis
Two coelacanths captured in waters off of the Comoro Islands were examined for parasites. Eight third-stage anisakines of the genus Terranova or Pulchrascaris were found in the spiral valve and rectum of the two coelacanths examined. The poor condition of these defrosted specimens prevented further identification. The depauperate parasitofauna in coelacanths may result from their unique physiology and morphology and because they are a relict fish that has survived millions of years beyond other relatives and potential intermediate hosts.
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Thoney, D.A., Hargis, W.J. Juvenile anisakine parasites from the coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae . Environ Biol Fish 32, 281–283 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007461
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007461