Exploring gnathiid isopods, the “mosquitoes” of the marine world.
By Hesmarié Botha
Research Student, NRF-SAIAB; North-West University, Potchefstroom
Date: Thursday 1 August 2024,
Time: 10.30am (SAST)
Zoom Registration link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqdumtrz0sG9F9sd9Fu7pyvBrbszbpa1z0
Passcode: 033024
Smaller organisms, such as parasites, have historically been overshadowed by the study of larger ones, such as mammals. However, in recent decades, the study of parasites has gained momentum, and we are gradually beginning to understand their role in the greater natural system. Gnathiids are marine fish parasites that, like mosquitoes, feed on the blood and other fluids of their hosts. They display a range of features that have led to confusion in past species descriptions, necessitating the re-description of some species, especially those from South Africa, where almost half of the known species were described around 100 years ago.
Additionally, this study aims to obtain new gnathiid samples and potentially discover new species, contributing to our known biodiversity. Furthermore, based on pre-existing and newly collected information, this project will seek to establish links between all gnathiids from the Temperate Southern Africa marine biogeographic realm. The presenter will provide insights into the methodologies used for sample collection, highlight the potential discoveries of new species, offering a deeper understanding of gnathiid biodiversity and its implications for marine ecosystems.
