The Gyrodactylus (Monogenea, Gyrodactylidae) parasite fauna of freshwater sand gobies (Teleostei, Gobioidei) in their centre of endemism, with description of seven new species

摘要: While Gobioidei comprises showcases of (adaptive) radiation, the scientific interest they yielded did not ensure full understanding goby biodiversity. Even in a well-studied region like Europe, wide knowledge gaps remain. Sand gobies represent one few clades whose monogenean parasites have been thoroughly studied. However, Balkans, part sand gobies' centre endemism, these were unstudied. We focus on Greek and Croatian freshwater gobies. From five species, first are reported, describing seven new Gyrodactylus species. Economidichthys pygmaeus harbours benedeni sp. n. dorlodoti Its congener E. trichonis hosts G. meelkopae Knipowitschia milleri was found to host charon n., K. thessala is infected by bios croatica douglasadamsi hellemansi bubyri its type caucasica. A diverse parasite fauna expected for known biodiversity endemism. The contribution species richness such hotspots overlooked. observed per rather low compared better-studied eastern Atlantic Host vicariance considered mediate specificity this fauna. Some flatworm display unique morphological features, as remarkable size marginal hook sickle proper foot parasites, or characteristically kinked These features reflect their hosts' endemism Balkans.