First report of Stephanostomum cesticillus (Molin, 1858) Looss, 1899 in Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Tyrrhenian Sea (Southern Italy)

The genus Stephanostomum consists of digenean trematodes found in many marine teleosts. In this study, cesticillus (Molin, 1858) Looss, 1899 metacercariae were identified European hake ( Merluccius merluccius , Linnaeus, 1758) caught the Tyrrhenian Sea. encapsulated muscle, close to spine and gills. Out 131 specimens, 111 (P = 84.7%, mI 25.1 mA 21.3) infected by trematode metacercariae. Morphological histological evaluations carried out. members are characterised a double crown spines oral sucker. For identification parasite, molecular analysis was performed via 28S 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes. Partial rDNA sequences highly matched S. for percentage similar identity from nucleotide database BLAST. present survey reports presence M. first time. Our results improve current knowledge on parasites better understand distribution Mediterranean Sea shed light life cycle parasite adding other possible hosts.