Paralebion elongatus Wilson C. B. 1911

Paralebion elongatus Wilson, 1911

MATERIAL.—Fifty-five collections from body surface of four hosts as follows (number of collections in parentheses): Carcharinus milberti (18), C. leucas (25), C. limbatus (3), and Negaprion brevirostris (9). No seasonal variation was noted in the abundance of this species since it was collected during all seasons.

FEMALE.—Body form as in Figure 5. Total length of 1 specimen 13.9 mm and greatest width 5.2 mm. In his original description Wilson (1911, p. 629) states that abdomen is 2-jointed and each segment is about equal in length. Near middle of abdomen there is a slight constriction; no suture or joint is visible at this point. There is, however, a separation near terminus which divides abdomen into 2 unequal segments, anterior several times longer than posterior. Caudal rami possess 6 terminal setae (Figure 6) rather than 4 as reported by Wilson (innermost very small). Sternal furca (Figure 7) double but bases of outer branches separated from common base of inner. Second leg endopod (Figure 8) first segment with row of spines along outer edge (similar in nature to those reported in previous species, L. eurus); terminal segment with 2 sickle-shaped sclerotized areas at base of 2 outermost setae. Leg 3 with single well-developed spine at base of exopod. Leg 4 (Figure 9) exopod 3-segmented, last 2 segments each with comblike fringe on outer margin.

MALE.—Body form as in Figure 10. Total length 7.5 mm, greatest width 2.1 mm. Appendages as in female except for second antenna (Figure 11). Claw of second antenna short and heavily sclerotized, basal segment with corrugated areas as in Figure 11.

This genus was placed in the family Euryphoridae by Yamaguti (1963) because of the alleged relationship between it and Alebion. After examining material of both genera, it is apparent that they are not closely related and the inclusion of Paralebion in the Euryphoridae is questionable. I have continued Yamaguti's family assignment of this genus for the present. Future work, however, may show the Paralebion should be placed in another family.