Synthesis of Monogenea (Platyhelminthes) of bony fishes on the coasts of the Mexican Pacific
Keywords:
Pacific Ocean, ray-finned fishes, marine ectoparasites, flatworms, richnessAbstract
Monogeneans are among the most diverse groups of ectoparasitic helminths in marine fish, although knowledge of them in the Mexican Pacific remains limited. The aim of this study was to update their inventory, geographic distribution, and host-parasite associations along the coasts of this region in Mexico. One hundred and forty monogenean species, belonging to 26 families, were recorded, parasitizing 113 host species. The highest number of records and species richness were concentrated in Jalisco; the fish family with the most associations was Carangidae; however, only about 10% of the fish species in the area have been examined as monogenean hosts. Seventy-three monogenean species were recorded only once, highlighting the gaps in the knowledge of this group of ectoparasites. From 1938 to 2025, 72 holotypes of monogeneans were described for the Pacific coast of Mexico, although the rate of new species discovery has declined in recent decades. Our update suggests that parasite richness remains largely unknown. Therefore, we emphasize the need to increase geographic and host sampling efforts, strengthen integrative studies, and promote the preservation of biological material in scientific collections.
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