Updated morphological description and molecular analysis of Neoechinorhynchus (Neoechinorhynchus) iraqensis (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) from Planiliza abu (Heckel) (Mugilidae) in Iraq.

Key Points

• The aim is to update the morphological and molecular characterization of Neoechinorhynchus iraqensis.
• Conducted morphological examinations of specimens from Planiliza abu.
• Performed molecular analyses to assess phylogenetic relationships.
• Confirmed a strong clade with significant bootstrap support and Bayesian posterior probability.