Paratenuisentis gen. n. for Tanaorhamphus ambiguus Van Cleave 1921 (Acanthocephala), with a reconsideration of the Tenuisentidae.
Paratenuisentis gen. n. (Tenuisentidae) is characterized by quincuncially arranged proboscis hooks, numerous giant nuclei in the subcuticula and cement glands, and a prominent muscular sling around the proboscis receptacle. P. ambiguus (Van Cleave, 1921) is redescribed following study of a long series of mature males and females. On the basis of the typical pattern of giant nuclei distribution, it is concluded that Tanaorhamphus and Microsentis, previously included in the Tenuisentidae, belong in the Neoechinrhynchidae.
D000049:Acanthocephala / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000145:classification*; D000818:Animals; D004524:Eels / Q000469:parasitology