Abstract
Heteraxinoides xanthophilis, a gill parasite of the spot, Leiostomus xanthurus, has an asymmetrical triangular-shaped haptor with multiple clamps situated along its edges. Clamps are usually attached consecutively to successive gill lamellae of the host. Worms accommodate during development to the gills of the particular size host. The number of clamps/mm along the haptor decreased with increased host size. Worms collected from 3 size classes of fish were significantly different in overall size at all stages of development. Clamps develop sequentially, with the younger, and eventually larger, clamps being anterior. Each successive clamp reaches an ultimate size determined by host size. The various stages (as indicated by the number of clamps present) at which the larval haptor is lost or the reproductive system develops are not affected by host size.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.