Description of Pomphorhynchus spindletruncatus n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Pomphorhynchidae) from freshwater fishes in northern Iraq, with the erection of a new pomphorhynchid genus, Pyriproboscis n. g., and keys to genera of the Pomphorhynchidae and the species of Pomphorhynchus Monticelli, 1905

Abstract

The status of species of Pomphorhynchus Monticelli, 1905 is examined and 23 species are recognised as valid. These include P. spindletruncatus n. sp., which is described herein from two species of freshwater fishes in northern Iraq, Aspius vorax Heckel and Barbus xanthopterus (Heckel) (Cyprinidae). Only one other species, P. yunnanensis Wang, 1981, has a spindle-shaped trunk similar to that of P. spindletruncatus, but is distinguished from it by a distinctly different proboscis armature. A key separating the new taxon from other species of Pomphorhynchus is included. P. heronensis Pichelin, 1997 is reassigned to a new pomphorhynchid genus, Pyriproboscis n. g., based on its unique proboscis shape and armature, short proboscis receptacle and tubular cement glands. A key to the genera of the Pomphorhynchidae is also included.