Diversity "down under": monogeneans in the Antipodes (Australia) with a prediction of monogenean biodiversity worldwide.

摘要: There are approximately 25,000 species of fishes known in the world. The Monogenea believed to be among most host-specific parasites and if each fish is host a different monogenean, there could almost monogenean on Earth. Currently, I estimate that between 3000 4000 these described. Australia has rich marine fauna with 3500 teleosts. If same formula one per applied, potentially monogeneans. first described from was Encotyllabe pagrosomi MacCallum, 1917 300 more have since been continent. Even region such as Heron Island Great Barrier Reef focus sustained research parasites, only about 85 40 common, easily-caught fish. Reasons discussed for relatively small numbers so far Australia. Endemicity difficult judge, but certain: Concinnocotyla australensis (Polystomatidae) Neoceratodus forsteri (Dipnoi). Despite reductions funding, value parasite taxonomy must not underestimated, particularly regions world diversity potential hosts.