Pseudorhabdosynochus tabogaensis

Pseudorhabdosynochus tabogaensis is a diplectanid monogenean parasitic on the gills of groupers. It has been described in 2011.

Description
Pseudorhabdosynochus tabogaensis is a small monogenean. The species has the general characteristics of other species of Pseudorhabdosynochus, with a flat body and a posterior haptor, which is the organ by which the monogenean attaches itself to the gill of is host. The haptor bears two squamodiscs, one ventral and one dorsal.

The sclerotized male copulatory organ, or "quadriloculate organ", has the shape of a bean with four internal chambers, as in other species of Pseudorhabdosynochus. The vagina includes a sclerotized part, which is a complex structure.

Hosts and localities


The starry grouper Epinephelus labriformis is the type-host of Pseudorhabdosynochus tabogaensis, and the type-locality is Taboga Island in Panama. The species has also been found off the Pearl Islands in Panama and off the Pacific coast of Mexico. The specific name of this species reflects the location (Taboga Island).