Pseudocapillaria (Ichthyocapillaria) ophisterni sp. n. (Nematoda: Capillariidae) from the swamp-eel Ophisternon aenigmaticum (Pisces) in Mexico

A new nematode species, Pseudocapillaria ophisterni sp. n., is described from the intestine and rarely from the stomach of the swamp-eel, Ophisternon aenigmaticum Rosen et Greenwood, from Catemaco Lake, Veracruz, Mexico. In having both caudal lobes in the male interconnected by a distinct dorsal membrane, it belongs to the subgenus Ichthyocapillaria. It differs from the three species in this subgenus mainly in possessing either a distinctly longer spicule or a smaller length of oesophagus relative to body length. It also differs in host type and geographical distribution. P. ophisterni is the first capillariid species reported from synbranchiform fishes. Received: 23 August 1999 / Accepted: 15 October 1999