标题：First molecular data and morphological re-description of two copepod species, Hatschekia sargi and Hatschekia leptoscari, as parasites on Parupeneus rubescens in the Arabian Gulf
摘要：AbstractLittle information is available about the biodiversity of parasitic copepods in the Arabian Gulf. The present study aimed to provide new information about different parasitic copepods gathered fromParupeneus rubescenscaught in the Arabian Gulf (Saudi Arabia). Copepods collected from the infected fish were studied using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and then examined using standard staining and measuring techniques. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on the partial28S rRNAgene sequences from other copepod species retrieved from GenBank. Two copepod species,Hatschekia sargiBrian, 1902 andHatschekia leptoscariYamaguti, 1939, were identified as naturally infected the gills of fish. Here we present a phylogenetic analysis of the recovered copepod species to confirm their taxonomic position in the Hatschekiidae family within Siphonostomatoida and suggest the monophyletic origin this family. Sequencing the28S rRNAgene query identified a close relationship of the recoveredHatschekiaspecies toHatschekia japonica(gb| KR048858.1). This study identifies a new host forHatschekiaspecies isolated from Saudi Arabia and performs the first molecular analysis of their28S rRNAgenes.
