Deformations of the inner shell surface of Venerupis pullastra (Montagu) (Lamellibranghia) as a result of infection by a trematod metacercaria with a note of parasitism leading to parasitic castration
Johannessen, O.H. (1973). Deformations of the inner shell surface of Venerupis pullastra (Montagu) (Lamellibranghia) as a result of infection by a trematod metacercaria with a note of parasitism leading to parasitic castration. Sarsia 52(1): 117-122. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00364827.1973.10411235
In: Sarsia. University of Bergen. Universitetsforlaget: Bergen. ISSN 0036-4827; e-ISSN 1503-1128, more
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| Abstract |
Brown patches and erosion pits were found on the inner surface of shells of Venerupis pullastra. The deformations were apparently caused by metacercariae of the trematode genus Gymnophallus. The brown calcified material seemed to be the result of unsuccessful attempts by the host to encapsulate the parasites, using calcium taken from the shell.The shells were classified into four categories according to the degree of deformation. 45.5% of the shells were deformed. Infection was found to commence when the shells were between one and two years old. 15% of the three year old shells were affected. Infection increased rapidly after the third year and reached 75% by the ninth year. Only the older specimens showed severe deformations. Infection did not affect growth of the host's shell.Two females out of 516 individuals showed probable parasitic castration caused by another type of cercariae. |
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