akutrellid

Akutrellid is a genus of monogenean flatworms that belong to the family Gyrodactylidae within the class Monogenea. This taxon was first described in 2001 by Li and colleagues after a survey of parasitic organisms on marine teleost fishes in the subtropical waters of the Western Pacific. The genus is distinguished by its haptor bearing a simple ring of marginal anchors and a trio of large, hexa‑lobate testes that occupy most of the posterior pharyngeal chamber.

Morphologically, individuals of Akutrellid range from 0.4 to 0.7 mm in length and display a thin, translucent body. They have a ventrally positioned first genital pore followed by a second connected to an ovary, and they spawn free‑swimming eggs that hatch into miniature larvae capable of immediately seeking a host. Their life cycle is direct, lacking a free‑living intermediate host, which allows rapid population expansion on suitable fish hosts.

Ecologically, Akutrellid species are host‑specific ectoparasites primarily found on the gill arches and skin of groupers (family Epinephelidae) and moray eels (family Muraenidae). They are reported in tropical reef ecosystems from the Indo‑Pacific to the western Atlantic. Infestations can lead to gill overgrowth, decreased respiration, and in heavy burdens, reduced growth and increased mortality, making them of concern for both wild fisheries and aquaculture operations.

Research on Akutrellid has focused on phylogenetic relationships within Gyrodactylidae and on the development of diagnostic tools for early detection in fish farms. Continued study is important for understanding parasite–host dynamics in coral reef environments and for managing potential impacts on commercially valuable fish species.