This book is the first to explore in detail the systematics and taxonomy
of the digenean fauna of fish in Indian marine waters. It includes
morphological descriptions of 648 species in 190 genera and 30 families.
The figures from the original publications are enhanced and made more
attractive. Each description is accompanied by information on hosts and
distribution. Digenetic trematodes, usually known as Digeneans, are the
most diverse group of metazoan parasites of marine fishes. They are
parasitic flatworms (Phylum Platyhelminthes) with a complex life-cycle
and as adults inhabit mainly the alimentary system and associated
organs, but also occur in the blood, under the scales, in the body
cavity and in the gall and urinary bladders. Keys to families, genera
and species are provided, except for a few large and controversial
genera, where morphological characters are insufficient for
identification. Although there is extensive literature on Digeneans, it
is scattered and largely in obscure local journals. Bringing together
most of the primary literature on the subject, this book provides a
primer for further study and a starting point for the use of modern
molecular methods for the fauna of this region. Unique in its scope, it
is a valuable resource for students, professional parasitologists and
ecologists as well as fishery and wildlife biologists.
