Didymozoidae is a family of parasitic flatworms (class Trematoda) within the order Plagiorchiida. The group comprises endoparasitic flukes that primarily infect the tissues of marine teleost fishes.[1]
Adult didymozoids are typically found encysted within the tissues of pelagic fishes, especially tunas and mackerels. The paired worms are enclosed within a shared cyst, which provides protection and facilitates reproduction. The family includes numerous genera such as Didymozoon, Nematobothrium, and Allometanematobothrioides.[2]
Distribution
Species within the family Didymozoidae are found worldwide in tropical and temperate oceans, following the distribution of their pelagic fish hosts.[3]
Morphology
Members of the family exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism; the females are generally much larger and encase the smaller males within their bodies. Didymozoids have a highly reduced digestive system and obtain nutrients directly from the tissues or body fluids of their hosts.[4]
Genera
The following genera are recognised within the family Didymozoidae:[5]
Adenodidymocystis Yamaguti, 1970
Allodidymocodium Yamaguti, 1970
Allometanematobothrioides Yamaguti, 1965
Didymozoon Monticelli, 1888
Nematobothrium Lühe, 1900
Genera
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