Digenetic trematodes fromLimanda limanda(L.) (Osteichthyes, Pleuronectidae) from Danish and adjacent waters, with special reference to their life-histories

Abstract

Abstract A total of 650 specimens of the common dab, Limanda limanda (L.) (Osteichthyes, Pleuronectidae) were collected from twelve localities in Danish and adjacent waters - ranging from the Faroes to the Baltic - and examined for infestations with digenetic trematodes, of which 15 species were found. The following were found at two or more sampling stations: Steringophorus furciger (Olsson, 1868), Steringotrema pagelli (van Beneden, 1871), Monascus filiformis (Rudolphi, 1819) (Fellodistomidae), Podocotyle atomon (Rudolphi, 1802) (Opecoelidae), Zoogonoides viviparus (Olsson, 1868) (Zoogonidae), metacercaria of Stephanostomum baccatum (Nicoll, 1907), Neophasis lageniformis (Lebour, 1910) (Acanthocolpidae), Derogenes varicus (Müller, 1784), Lecithaster gibbosus (Rudolphi, 1802), Brachyphallus crenatus (Rudolphi, 1802), Hemiurus communis Odhner, 1905 (Hemiuridae), Aporocotyle simplex Odhner, 1900 (Sanguinicolidae), and the metacercaria of Cryptocotyle lingua (Creplin, 1825) (Heterophyidae). The metacercariae of Acanthostomum imbutiforme (Molin, 1859) (Acanthostomidae) and Otodistomum sp. (Azygiidae) were found at one station only. The dab is apparently a new host record for N. lageniformis and the metacercariae of A. imbutiforme, Otodistomum sp. and C. lingua. Apart from the hemiurids L. gibbosus, B. crenatus and H. communis, and the azygiid Otodistomum sp., the life-cycles of the remaining dab digeneans are known. The digenean fauna in dabs from all stations is compared with the geographical distribution of the first intermediate hosts to examine whether dab digeneans may be used as natural (biological) tags. In addition, the infestation in relation to host size of the most common dab digeneans was examined.