Sand Steenbras Lithognathus mormyrus (Linnaeus, 1758), the New Host of the Parasitic Isopod Anilocra physodes (Linnaeus, 1758) from Mersin Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean

Anilocra physodes (Linnaeus, 1758) (Isopoda, Cymothoidae) was reported for the first time in this study on a new host species, Lithognathus mormyrus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces; Sparidae), from Mersin Bay, northeastern Mediterranean, Türkiye. Besides, some morphological characteristics of this parasitic isopod were demonstrated and its differences from the closely related species A. frontalis are highlighted. The present study revealed the detailed distribution of host species of A. physodes in Turkish marine waters by their families and host preferences.