Observations on a lesser-known monogenean, Udonella myliobati, from a copepod parasite, Lepeophtheirus natalensis, parasitizing the spotted ragged-tooth shark, Carcharias taurus, from South African waters

The phylogeny of the genus Udonella has been disputed for quite some time, but recent phylogenetic analysis of molecular data confirms that the genus is a monopisthocotylean monogenean. Specimens of Udonella myliobati parasit izing the copepod Lepeophtheirus natalensis, an ectoparasite of the spotted ragged-tooth shark. (Carcharias taurus), were collected and studied. A tot al of 771 monogenean specimens were recovered from 54 infected copepods exa mined, with a mean intensity of 14,3 worms per copepod. Most of the monogen eans were found attached to the dorsal surface of the lateral and frontal m arginal membranes of the copepod carapace. Eggs, with filaments and adhesiv e discs, were found ventrally on the host, mainly attached to the maxillae and maxillipeds, in clusters of 12-14. Observations on the morphology, dist ribution and behaviour of this monogenean are presented with the aid of lig ht and scanning electron microscopy.