Crites J L, Overstreet R M
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564.
J Parasitol. 1991 Feb;77(1):42-50.
Heliconema brooksi n. sp. is described from the shrimp eel, Ophichthus gomesi, in Mississippi Sound. This species is distinguished from other members of the genus by possessing in the male 40 or more tessellated longitudinal ridges, a spicule ratio averaging 1:10.6, 4 precloacal papillae, and 6 postcloacal papillae. Females have a protruding vulvular flap. Both sexes have a prominent sclerotized cardium. Heliconema brooksi is morphologically most closely related to Heliconema heliconema. A juvenile worm from the white shrimp, Penaeus setiferus, in the same locality may be the infective stage.
