Large Hooks Research Articles

MORPHOMETRIC AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE-BASED IDENTIFICATION OF Taenia hydatigena PARASITES IN STRAY DOGS

Taenia hydatigena, an intestinal parasite of domestic and wild canids which can cause medical problems and economic losses in animals. Thirty T. hydatigena recovered from the intestine of stray dogs after T. hydatigena based on morphological characters and morphometric observations involving Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the scoleces were stained by Semichon's acid carmine and viewed on a light microscope. High-quality SEM photographs were shown the blade dimensions of both large and small hooks (83.89 µm and 48.16 µm) respectively, which was close to measurements by a digital camera. The number of hooks around the rostellum were 30 hooks, and both were equal in number (15 hooks), while the average length of the large hooks was 220.11 ±28.07 µm, and was 88.58 ±7.92, and the average length of small hooks was142.37 ±12.52 µm and was 65.73 ±6.94 µm. body surface of Taenia hydatigena presence of characteristic transverse cuticular striations.

What AlphaFold tells us about cohesin's retention on and release from chromosomes.

Cohesin is a trimeric complex containing a pair of SMC proteins (Smc1 and Smc3) whose ATPase domains at the end of long coiled coils (CC) are interconnected by Scc1. During interphase, it organizes chromosomal DNA topology by extruding loops in a manner dependent on Scc1's association with two large hook-shaped proteins called SA (yeast: Scc3) and Nipbl (Scc2). The latter's replacement by Pds5 recruits Wapl, which induces release from chromatin via a process requiring dissociation of Scc1's N-terminal domain (NTD) from Smc3. If blocked by Esco (Eco)-mediated Smc3 acetylation, cohesin containing Pds5 merely maintains pre-existing loops, but a third fate occurs during DNA replication, when Pds5-containing cohesin associates with Sororin and forms structures that hold sister DNAs together. How Wapl induces and Sororin blocks release has hitherto remained mysterious. In the 20 years since their discovery, not a single testable hypothesis has been proposed as to their role. Here, AlphaFold 2 (AF) three-dimensional protein structure predictions lead us to propose formation of a quarternary complex between Wapl, SA, Pds5, and Scc1's NTD, in which the latter is juxtaposed with (and subsequently sequestered by) a highly conserved cleft within Wapl's C-terminal domain. AF also reveals how Scc1's dissociation from Smc3 arises from a distortion of Smc3's CC induced by engagement of SMC ATPase domains, how Esco acetyl transferases are recruited to Smc3 by Pds5, and how Sororin prevents release by binding to the Smc3/Scc1 interface. Our hypotheses explain the phenotypes of numerous existing mutations and are highly testable.

Comparison of Protoscolex Hook Morphologies in Human, Sheep, Cattle Echinococcus granulosus Isolates

Objective: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) larvae, adults of which live in Canidae. Although CE is observed in all over the world, it is more prevalent in developing and underdeveloped nations.
 Material and Method: This study was conducted on a total of 60 cyst samples, including 20 sheep and 20 cattle slaughtered in the abattoir and 20 patients operated with the diagnosis of KE in University Medical Center between the dates June 2018 and April 2019. The collected cyst fluids were centrifuged and protoscolices were collected. For each of these hosts, 20 large and 20 small hooks were examined. Large hook length (LHL), small hook length (SHL), large hook width (LHW), small hook width (SHW), large hook blade length (LHBL), small hook blade length (SHBL) were measured. The measurements were made by a single person, taking into account the characteristics specified by Hobbs et al. (1990). The results were evaluated with the SPSS program.
 Results: The average of human, sheep and bovine LHL measurements were 21.710 ± 1.073 μm, 24.322 ± 1.073 μm, 25.223 ± 1.073 μm; SHL measurements were 16.946 ± 0.840 μm, 20.746 ± 0.911 μm, 21.199 ± 0.977 μm; LHW measurements were 5.437 ± 0.358 μm, 7.817 ± 0.729 μm, 8.528 ± 0.589 μm, respectively; SHW measurements were 7.229 ± 0.631 μm, 6.417 ± 0.507 μm, 6.488 ± 0.463 μm, respectively; LHBL measurements were 13.236 ± 0.746 μm, 13.862 ± 0.767 μm, 13.345 ± 0.728 μm; SHBL measurements were determined as 8.918 ± 0.471 μm, 9.414 ± 0.483 μm, 9.457 ± 0.476 μm, respectively. The length, width and blade lengths of large and small hooks isolated from human, sheep and cattle were significant difference between all groups. When hook morphology measurements were grouped in pairs as human-sheep, human-cattle and sheep-cattle and analyzed statistically; It was determined that LHL, SHL, SHW and SHBL were significantly different between human-cattle and human-sheep, but not between sheep-cattle. It was found that LHW was significantly different between human-cattle and sheep-cattle, while LHBL was significantly different only between human-sheep.
 Conclusion: The morphological features of the large and small hooks of E. granulosus may represent morphological adaptation in vertebrate hosts. For this reason, it is thought that morphological parameters can be useful in the differentiation of isolates and can be used together with molecular studies in the future

Report of a two-headed protoscolex of Echinococcus granulosus revealed by phase contrast microscopy in Shiraz, Iran.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato can produce cystic echinococcosis (CE)/hydatidosis in different hosts. Each CE cyst can produce numerous protoscoleces by its germinal layer in two forms: evaginated and invaginated. Usually, each protoscolex has one head consisting of a rostellum with two rows of hooks and four suckers. During a study of protoscolicidal agents on sheep Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces, and investigations on their microscopic changes using Phase contrast microscopy, we observed a case of two- headed evaginated protoscolex. Two heads were attached to a unique bigger size of protoscolex body. Morphological observations showed its dimension around two times of usual protoscolex. There was no space between the bodies, hence one fused body was observed which was clearly shown by Phase contrast microscopy. Each head possessed two rows of hooks. Using micrometry all parts of the two-headed protoscolex, especially hooks were measured and photographed showing all aspects of its morphology including tegument, hooks, and two heads. Specific parts of two-headed protoscolex including suckers, hooks, also calcareous corpuscles were measured. The measurements on the two-headed protoscolex showed that the small hook blade length (SBL) and large hook blade length (LBL) were almost langer than one head protoscolex. A total of 120 calcareous corpuscles in two headed-protoscolex is much higher than one head protoscoleces.

Design and Simulation Analysis of Semi-Active Lifting and Sinking Compensation System

The lifting and sinking motion generated by the drilling platform causes large fluctuations in the suspension tension of the large hook, which affects the stability of the drilling pressure acting on the rock at the bottom of the well, greatly reduces the efficiency of drilling and decreases the service life of the drill bit and the drill column under the action of cyclically varying loads, causing an increase in the overall drilling cost. In order to avoid the above situation, a nonlinear model of a semi-active lift-sink compensation system is designed and a method to improve the compensation efficiency of the system is proposed. Firstly, the relevant physical model of the hydraulic system is established, and then its simulation model is built according to the working principle of the semi-active lift and sink compensation system. Then the effects of different factors are added to the simulation model of semi-active lifting and sinking compensation, and finally the effects of different factors on the compensation efficiency of the active lifting and sinking system are compared. The simulation results show that a regular sinusoidal wave with a peak value of 6.5 m and a period of 10 s as the ship's lifting and sinking displacement input will reduce the compensation efficiency of the semi-active lifting and sinking compensation system, while the smaller the stiffness of the wire rope, the better the compensation effect of the drill column and the higher the compensation accuracy. The proposed method can effectively improve the compensation efficiency of semi-active lifting and sinking compensation system.

Effects of hook size and bait type on the size selectivity and short-time post-release mortality of a cyprinid fish (Cyprinus carpio L.) in recreational fisheries

A minimum legal length of 40 cm in recreational fisheries for the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) has been introduced in Türkiye and Czechia to prevent over-exploitation by anglers. This has resulted in more carp being released following capture, and possibly to increased losses of unharvested fish. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of hook size (4/0, 5/0, 6/0 & 7/0) and bait types (fish, corn kernels & dough) on the size of fish caught, catch rates, hooking location, dehooking time, bleeding (presence), and short-term post-release mortality. Angled fish were individually placed into a submerged cage for 1 h to monitor mortality. A total of 26 experimental fishing events, each event was divided into six angling sessions lasting 60 min each, were conducted at the Keban Dam Lake, Eastern Türkiye by three experienced anglers. Hook size influenced the size of captured fish but did not influence hooking location, dehooking time, bleeding (presence), and catch rates. Likewise, similar effects of bait type on hooking location, dehooking time, and bleeding (presence) were also recorded; however, in contrast to hook size, the bait type had a significant influence on fish catch rates and the catch efficiency of corn kernels was 2.1–3.4 times higher than the dough and fish baits. Furthermore, in contrast to the hook size, bait type had no significant influence on the size of fish caught. Smaller hook sizes were more likely to capture undersized fish, whereas larger hooks reduced the capture of undersized fish. Three out of 127 angled fish, caught by 4/0 and 5/0 hooks, experienced substantial bleeding and died within 1 h. The use of large hooks, e.g., > 5/0, is recommended to minimise the catch of undersized carp and mitigate hooking mortality.

Phenotypic Traits of Echinococcus Granulosus Parasite Isolated from Cattle and Goats in AL-Diwaniya City, Iraq

Hydatid cyst is the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus and is found in tissues of the intermediate host and other structures. It has a spherical or semi-spherical shape and takes the shape of the affected organ, and its size varies with age. Seven samples of hydatid cysts were collected from the liver and lungs of infected animals, 5 samples from cows and 2 samples from goats. The incidence of liver injury was 57.1%, compared to the lungs, which accounted for 42.9%. The colors of the inner layers of hydatid cysts were studied in both cows and goats. Three colors were found: white with 14.2%, yellow and yellowish-white with 42.9% for each. The lengths of the large hooks (LH) were also studied, which were 26.9 ± 0.585 for goats and 25.9 ± 0.555 for cows.

Testing palaeodrainage hypotheses in south-eastern Brazil: phylogeography of the sinistral livebearer fish of the genus Phalloceros (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae)

Abstract The ‘sinistral Phalloceros group’ consists of three species, P. aspilos, P. leptokeras and P. tupinamba, that belong to Phalloceros, a genus of freshwater fish endemic to South America. They inhabit the Paraíba do Sul Basin and coastal drainages in south-eastern Brazil. This group is diagnosed by large hooks in the medial portion of the gonopodial appendices in males and the sinistral direction of the urogenital papilla in females. We conducted a phylogeographic analysis of mitochondrial (COI and Cytb) and nuclear (RAG1) haplotypes of 36 individuals sampled from 11 localities to test the hypothesis that the biogeographic history of sinistral Phalloceros was mediated by connections of coastal basins caused by lowered sea-levels during the Quaternary. We evaluated the taxonomic status of these nominal taxa by integrating molecular species delimitation methods and morphological data. Our results suggest that the three nominal taxa are synonyms, and P. leptokeras is designated as the valid species name. The geographic expansion of the P. leptokeras lineage began in the coastal region (~2.3 Mya). The phylogeographic relationships among populations partially corroborate the palaeodrainage model, but also suggest that P. leptokeras colonized the inland Paraíba do Sul drainage, overcoming the Serra do Mar mountains.

Microfishing for Juvenile Bluegill: A Catch‐and‐Release Study on an Emerging Form of Recreational Angling

AbstractMicrofishing is an emerging form of predominantly catch‐and‐release recreational angling with the main target being diverse small‐bodied nongame fish species and the early life stages of traditional game fish. While there has been an apparent increase in interest in microfishing, little is known about its impacts on fish and fisheries. Here we compared the effects of two hook sizes (i.e., a size 22 hook and a somewhat larger, yet still smaller than normal, size 12 hook) on aspects of injury, handling, and mortality for juvenile Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus (size range of 69 to 141 mm; n = 54 for each hook size). Hook size was determined to have a significant influence upon injury and mortality. The smaller hooks resulted in longer handling time, more extensive tissue damage arising from challenges of hook removal, and higher levels of short‐term mortality (n = 12, 22%) than the larger hooks (n = 2, 4%). Additional research is needed to develop best practices and management strategies for this emerging form of recreational angling on a wider range of species.

The pathology, phylogeny, and epidemiology of Echinococcus ortleppi (G5 genotype): a new case report of echinococcosis in China

BackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of the complex Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), is a zoonotic parasitic disease with a high social burden in China. E. ortleppi is a species (formerly genotype 5 of E. granulosus s.l.) with unique epidemic areas (tropical areas), transmission patterns (mainly cattle origin), and pathological characteristics (large and small hook lengths) compared to other species that cause CE. A 19-year-old female patient in an area with no history of echinococcosis in Guizhou Province, China, was diagnosed with E. ortleppi infection in 2019. This study is to understand the source of this human E.ortleppi infection.MethodsWe performed computer tomography (CT) scans, surgical operation, morphological sectioning, molecular diagnosis, phylogenetic analyses, and epidemiological investigation in Anshun City, Guizhou Province, China in 2019.ResultsThe patient presented with intermittent distension and pain in the upper abdomen without other abnormal symptoms. Routine blood examination results were normal. However, abdominal CT revealed a fertile cyst with a diameter of approximately 8 cm, uniform density, and a clear boundary, but without an evident cyst wall in the right lobe of the liver. The cyst was fertile, and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolates represented a new E. ortleppi genus haplotype. A result of 10‒14 years incubation period with indigenous infection was considered available for the case through the epidemiological survey.ConclusionsCE due to E. ortleppi infection can be confused with other diseases causing liver cysts, resulting in misdiagnosis. A transmission chain of E. ortleppi may exist or existed in the past in the previously considered non-endemic areas of echinococcosis in southwestern China.Graphic abstract

Apical Sperm Hook Morphology Is Linked to Sperm Swimming Performance and Sperm Aggregation in Peromyscus Mice.

Mammals exhibit a tremendous amount of variation in sperm morphology and despite the acknowledgement of sperm structural diversity across taxa, its functional significance remains poorly understood. Of particular interest is the sperm of rodents. While most Eutherian mammal spermatozoa are relatively simple cells with round or paddle-shaped heads, rodent sperm are often more complex and, in many species, display a striking apical hook. The function of the sperm hook remains largely unknown, but it has been hypothesized to have evolved as an adaptation to inter-male sperm competition and thus has been implicated in increased swimming efficiency or in the formation of collective sperm movements. Here we empirically test these hypotheses within a single lineage of Peromyscus rodents, in which closely related species naturally vary in their mating systems, sperm head shapes, and propensity to form sperm aggregates of varying sizes. We performed sperm morphological analyses as well as in vitro analyses of sperm aggregation and motility to examine whether the sperm hook (i) morphologically varies across these species and (ii) associates with sperm competition, aggregation, or motility. We demonstrate inter-specific variation in the sperm hook and then show that hook width negatively associates with sperm aggregation and sperm swimming speed, signifying that larger hooks may be a hindrance to sperm movement within this group of mice. Finally, we confirmed that the sperm hook hinders motility within a subset of Peromyscus leucopus mice that spontaneously produced sperm with no or highly abnormal hooks. Taken together, our findings suggest that any adaptive value of the sperm hook is likely associated with a function other than inter-male sperm competition, such as interaction with ova or cumulous cells during fertilization, or migration through the complex female reproductive tract.

Evolution of Marine Bars under Micro and Mesotidal Settings of Mahanadi Delta Coast

Shoreward migration process of longshore bar is an important aspect of shoreline changes in the Mahanadi delta front. It involves coalescence of individual bars to form large complex bars just before welding on to the shoreline. Such welding sometimes results in the formation of large hook spits. Bar welding mechanism can be an extremely important form of natural beach nourishment. This study aims to detect stages of evolution of longshore bars and consequent welding with mainland. Multi-dated Landsat images have been used to detect evolution of longshore bar and welding processes. QGIS platform has been used to process images and compose required maps.

Comparison of handline tuna catches in Indian Ocean and Banda Sea waters

There are two essential landing sites for handline tuna in Indonesia: Palabuhanratu (in the Indian Ocean) and Kendari (in the Banda Sea). This paper analyzes handline catches from the Indian Ocean and Banda Sea waters as the main fishing ground. The catch composition of the handline tuna landed in Kendari is more varied than Palabuhanratu. Several species commonly caught are yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) as a target species, and some billfish species as bycatch. Mean CPUE for handline tuna landed in Palabuhanratu is lower than Kendari. A significant difference is based on the monthly mean CPUE variation between Palabuhanratu and Kendari landing sites (p < 0.001). Handline catches in Palabuhanratu had a more comprehensive range of length sizes than Kendari, using a two-sample K-S test showed significant differences (p < 0.001). The fish size landed in Kendari is relatively smaller than Palabuhanratu. The average length of fish caught by handline is smaller than the length at first maturity (Lm) value in both landing sites. The use of large size hook for hand lines is recommended for catching tunas in this area.

Comparison of molecular and morphological characterization and haplotype analysis of cattle and sheep isolates of cystic echinococcosis

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease and the second most common foodborne parasitic infection worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate genetic variations in G1 and G3 genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and determine the morphological differences between two genotypes. In total, 119 cystic samples were collected from 48 cattle and 71 sheep in slaughterhouses in four cities in three geographical regions of Turkey regions (Ankara, Central Anatolio region; Ordu, Black Sea region; and Adana, Mersin, Mediterranean region). For molecular characterization of the G1 and G3 genotypes, two gene regions (the complete mt-cox1 gene sequence and partial mt-nad5 gene sequence) were amplified. Haplotype analysis was conducted to determine the nucleotide differences between the complete sequences of the mt-cox1 gene for 47 samples. In addition, morphological parameters in protoscoleces of fertile cysts were measured to determine the relationship between the genotypes and morphometry. According to the obtained genotype and morphometry results, there were no statistically significant differences between the genotypes in terms of the number of hooks, total lengths of large and small hooks, blade lengths of large and small hooks, and widths of small hooks, although there was a statistically significant difference in large hook width (p > 0.05).

Simulating effects of hook-size regulations on recreational harvest efficiency in the northern Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery

Recreational fishers discard millions of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) annually in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM), resulting in significant foregone yield. We conducted simulation modeling to evaluate the potential for hook-size regulations to improve efficiency in the recreational red snapper fishery. First, we imposed a suite of candidate parameter sets, informed by recent empirical studies, within the 2015 red snapper assessment model to estimate contact-selectivity of recreational fleets in the northeastern or northwestern GOM. We then evaluated potential hook-size regulations by imposing a suite of candidate parameter sets on future contact-selectivity of each recreational fleet, conditional on likelihood-based estimates from the first simulation exercise. In the assessment model, maximum likelihood values improved when strongly domed contact-selectivity curves with peak size approximating the current minimum length limit were imposed in either the eastern or western recreational fleet. Simulation results indicate mandating large hook sizes could modestly increase retained catch for the eastern recreational fleet while dramatically reducing the number of red snapper discarded by either fleet. Realized benefits of hook-size regulations will depend upon future fisher retention behavior, such as the intensity of live high-grading, discard mortality reduction practices, such as venting and the use of descender devices, and changes to current management regulations.

First Records of Oligacanthorhynchus (Oligacanthorhynchidae) from the Honey Badger, Mellivora capensis wilsoni (Mustelidae) and the West-Asian Blunt-Nosed Viper Macrovipera lebetina obtusa (Viperiidae) from North Basrah, Iraq

Ten honey badgers (Mellivora capensis wilsoni) and 10 West-Asian blunt-nosed vipers (Macrovipera lebetina obtusa) were collected from the Almadeena district North Basrah governorate, southern Iraq, and examined for helminths. Cystacanths and 2 adult specimens of an acanthocephalan Oligacanthorhynchus sp. were found, and these represent new host records and a new record for Iraq. The specimens could be distinguished from all other species of Oligacanthorhynchus in having a proboscis armature of 36 hooks arranged in 12 rows of 3 hooks without large manubria, the largest hooks (circle 1) up to 120 µ m long. There was, however, insufficient material to adequately describe the putative new species. Honey badgers are opportunistic carnivores that include snakes in their diet, supporting the contention that the vipers are paratenic hosts and honey badgers are the definitive hosts for this oligacanthorhynchid.

New morphological and genetic data of Gigantorhynchus echinodiscus (Diesing, 1851) (Acanthocephala: Archiacanthocephala) in the giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758 (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae).

Gigantorhynchus echinodiscus (Diesing, 1851) is a parasite of anteaters in South America. Although described by Diesing in 1851, there is still a lack of taxonomic and phylogenetic information regarding this species. In the present study, we redescribe G. echinodiscus collected from a giant anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758, from the Brazilian Cerrado (Savannah) in the State of São Paulo by light and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, phylogenies were inferred from partial DNA gene sequence of the nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (28S rRNA). We provide for the first time details of the proboscis with a crown having 18 large hooks and numerous small hooks, a lateral papilla at the base of the proboscis, a ringed pseudo-segmented body, large testes, cemented glands in pairs, and a non-segmented region in the posterior end of the body, which contributed to the diagnosis of the species. Molecular phylogenetic analyses recovered G. echinodiscus forming a well-supported monophyletic group with Mediorhynchus sp., which was congruent with morphological studies that allocate both genera within the family Gigantorhynchidae. In conclusion, the present work adds new morphological and molecular information, emphasizing the importance of adopting integrative taxonomic approaches in studies of Acanthocephala.

Observations of a Footpoint Drift of an Erupting Flux Rope

Abstract We analyze the imaging observations of an M-class eruptive flare of 2015 November 4. The pre-eruptive Hα filament was modeled by the nonlinear force-free field model, which showed that it consisted of two helical systems. Tether-cutting reconnection involving these two systems led to the formation of a hot sigmoidal loop structure rooted in a small hook that formed at the end of the flare ribbon. Subsequently, the hot loops started to slip away from the small hook until it disappeared. The loops continued slipping and the ribbon elongated itself by several tens of arcseconds. A new and larger hook then appeared at the end of the elongated ribbon with hot and twisted loops rooted there. After the eruption of these hot loops, the ribbon hook expanded and later contracted. We interpret these observations in the framework of the recent three-dimensional (3D) extensions to the standard solar flare model predicting the drift of the flux rope footpoints. The hot sigmoidal loop is interpreted as the flux rope, whose footpoints drift during the eruption. While the deformation and drift of the new hook can be described by the model, the displacement of the flux rope footpoint from the filament to that of the erupting flux rope indicate that the hook evolution can be more complex than those captured by the model.

Formation mechanism and fracture behavior in extra-filling refill friction stir spot weld for Al–Cu–Mg aluminum alloy

Joint quality of conventional refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW) is sensitive to welding parameters, and the welding parameters are difficult to control. Thus, deep surface indentation, large hook angle, and void usually occur within the RFSSW joint. An extra-filling RFSSW method is proposed in accordance with defect characteristic. The additional filling method, which was implemented through feed by sidewall, aims to compensate for the material loss within the RFSSW joint. The effect of the filling material on the formation characteristics, triangle void, and mechanical properties of the joint is investigated. Results show that the filling material was stacked in the top region of the stir zone (SZ). Furthermore, the surface indentation of the welding spot, hook angle, and bonding ligament thickness of extra-filling RFSSW joint were reduced, and triangle void at the bottom of the sleeve-affected zone was eliminated. Thus, tensile-shear load of extra-filling RFSSW joint was higher than that of conventional RFSSW joint. This study reveals the filling mechanism of triangle void and fracture behavior of RFSSW joints simultaneously. The squeezing effect of filling material makes more material in the SZ and the lap interface outside the SZ fill the triangle void. The filling of triangle void increases joint net-section area and decreases the stress concentration, and the samples fracture along the bonding ligament.

Early Jurassic “worm holothurians” (Echinodermata) as faecal traces of a worm-like holothurian-eater reflecting the consumed species

“Worm holothurians” from a sequence of Early Liassic (Hettangian) shales at Gottingen (Germany) are string- and strip-shaped relics of faeces of a worm-like holothurian-eater. They consist of three typical associations of morphotypes of microscopic calcitic ossicles of the body wall skeletons of holothurians: (1) mostly buttons and a few larger hooks; (2) polyperforate spectacles and many tiny hooks; or, rarely, (3) sieve platelets only. The faeces were discarded by the predator partly as it rapidly advanced, leaving an elongated, irregularly curved string at the sediment surface, but mostly during its slow creeping and crawling at and below the sediment/water interface, when it left a narrowly meandering string in its moulded or tunnel-like trail. The elongated strings are generally well preserved, whereas the meandering ones are generally totally disintegrated, possibly due to ventilating activities of the predator. Upon the collapse of the trail wall, the biostratinomic state of disintegration was fixed as a strip of ossicles. Such a strip, therefore, represents the faecally documented part of a creeping or crawling trace in or just below the sediment surface. All holothurian calcareous ring segments found in some of the two kinds of strip-shaped ossicle associations with hooks belong to the same new type of ring form. According to a feasible scenario for the predator–prey relationship, this form should be defined as a new genus of chiridotid Apodida that contains the ossicle associations with hooks as two biological species. The strings of concentrated sieve platelets should also be interpreted as a biological species from a new genus within the Dendrochirotida.