The attachment of the monogenean Diplozoon paradoxum to the gills of Rutilus rutilus L. II. Structure and mechanism of the adhesive apparatus.

Abstract

The adhesive apparatus of Diplozoon paradoxum consists of four pairs of clamps and a pair of small hooks which apparently persists from the larval stage. The sclerotized framework which supports each clamp bears great resemblance to that of a Discocotyle clamp but certain differences, particularly in the fair-lead region, may make it mechanically more efficient.A clamp of Diplozoon paradoxum operates on an extrinsic muscle-tendon-fair-lead-hinged-jaws principle as do the clamps of Discocotyle, Plectanocotyle and Kuhnia. It appears likely that other species of Diplozoon will be found to possess this clamping mechanism despite statements to the contrary.It is a pleasure to record my thanks to Dr F. G. Rees, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, for her encouragement and guidance and to Dr J. Llewellyn, University of Birmingham, for his valuable help and critical reading of the manuscript. This work was done while receiving a grant from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.