An integrative study of morphological and molecular characterization of Diplectanum aequans (Diplectanidae: Monogenea) infecting European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (L.) from Turkish coasts

Monogeneans are common ectoparasitic flatworms of marine fish. The diplectanid monogenean Diplectanum aequans (Wegener, 1857) (Diplectanidae) is one the most important ectoparasites in wild and cultured European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758) worldwide. This parasitic species cause severe pathological damages gills death infected bass. Presently, there no information on molecular data D. from Turkish coasts. In present study, monogeneans were collected (L.) Black Sea (FAO area 37.4.2) Aegean 37.1.3) coasts Turkey, morphologically identified, genetically characterized by DNA sequencing 28S rRNA 18S fragments. diplectanids unambiguously identified as based detailed morphological features sequence characterization partial genes. prevalence mean intensity 100% 15.1, respectively. study reports first (28S rRNA) evidence new sequences for isolated characterized. can be used to resolve phylogenetic positions Diplectanidae Mediterranean Sea.