Capsalidae


Capsalidae is a family of monopisthocotylean monogeneans, which includes about 200 species.
The monophyly of the Capsalidae is supported by possession of accessory sclerites in the haptor, and was confirmed by molecular phylogeny. Their oncomiracidium is distinct from that of other families.
Capsalids are parasite on various organs of marine fish, including skin, fins and gills. Several capsalid species, such a Neobenedenia spp. are pathogenic, especially on maricultured fish.

Included genera

Genera as recognized in are listed below. Recent molecular analyses have shown that several genera, which were defined on morphological characters, are not monophyletic.
Menziesia and Nitzschia have their equivalent in the botanical nomenclature: Menziesia and Nitzschia.