Stenurus australis		Contents		Rev 03/26/2026
		Classification		Biology and Ecology
		Morphology and Anatomy		Life Cycle
Return to Stenurus Menu				Ecosystem Functions and Services
		Distribution		Management
Return to Pseudaliidae Menu		Feeding		References
		Go to Nemaplex Main Menu		Go to Dictionary of Terminology

Classification:

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Morphology and Anatomy:

• Anterior body stout, tapering posteriorly.
• Buccal cavity with thick walls
• Mouth surrounder by inner circle of 6 papillae and outer circle of 2 lateral and 4 submedian papillae
• Cuticle with longitudinal ridges posterior to cephalic region

Males:

• Bursa with 2 lateral lobes more developed than dorsal lobe; supported by rays in characteristic pattern.
• Spicules equal size and shape, 112 um long

Females:

• Vulva close to anus and anus close to posterioe end
• Vulva without appendags
• Eggas arouid 100 x 60 um containing L1 larvae.

Ref: Torres et al., 1994

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Distribution:

Reported from porpoises (Phocoena spinipinnis) on the southern coast of Chile. Also reported from the same host species on the coast of Peru.

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Feeding:

Parasites of the auditory ducts and pterygoid and  nasal sinuses.

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Biology and Ecology:

Infection of the auditory ducts by S. australis and othe helminths is suggested by Torres et al (1994) as a potential factor in beach strandings of cetaceans. The infections and associated lesions would hinder nornal reaction to sound in the water.

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Life Cycle:

Unknown. Infection probaly occurs through consumption of fist by porpoises.

Ecophysiological Parameters:

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Ecosystem Functions and Services:

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Management:

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References:

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Copyright © 1999 by Howard Ferris.
Revised: March 26, 2026.