Development of Spinitectus inermis (Nematoda: Cystidicolidae), a parasite of eel, Anguilla anguilla, in Europe.
The development of the nematode Spinitectus inermis (Zeder, 1800), a parasite of the stomach of eels, Anguilla anguilla (L.) in Europe, was experimentally studied. Mayfly nymphs Caenis macrura, Ecdyonurus dispar, Heptagenia sulphurea, Potamanthus luteus and Seratella ignita from Portugal and the Czech Republic were found to serve as experimental intermediate hosts. After ingestion of the nematode eggs by the mayfly nymphs, the toothed first-stage larvae were released and penetrated into the body cavity of the intermediate host. There they moulted twice (on day 4 and 6 post infection [p.i.] at water temperatures of 20-25 degrees C), attaining the third infective stage. The definitive host, A. anguilla, undoubtedly acquires infection by feeding on mayfly nymphs harbouring infective-stage larvae. In an experimentally infected eel, the fourth-stage larva undergoing the third moult was observed 28 days p.i. at water temperature of 20 degrees C. The larval stages, including moulting forms, are described and illustrated. The prepatent period of S. inermis is estimated to be about two months.
Saraiva
Aurélia
A
Departamento de Zoologia e Antropologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal. amsaraiv@fc.up.pt
Moravec
Frantisek
F
Pereira
Anabela
A
Cruz
Cristina
C
D000811:Anguilla / Q000145:classification / Q000469:parasitology*; D000818:Animals; D005060:Europe; D005393:Fish Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*; D007313:Insecta / Q000469:parasitology; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D009348:Nematoda / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000469:parasitology