The turbellarians of genus Paravortex (Rhabdocoela: Graffillidae) – parasites of the Black Sea bivalves

by Belofastova I.P., Dmitrieva E.V.
"Ecology of the Sea"(Ecologiya Morya)
48 (1999). p.76-78

Summary

Turbellarians of genus Paravortex are found in the Black Sea for the first time. P. cardii is found in the bivalve, Cerastoderma lamarcki (75% , 2-20 specimens per host) and P.scrobiculariae is found in the bivalve, Abra ovata (2 from 7 molluscs, 1 and 3 specimens). Original figures and measurements are presented.

Five species of bivalve are observed from Sevastopol bays in June 1994. Two species of parasitic turbellarians are found: Paravortex cardii and P.scrobicularia.

Parasiting turbellarians are recorded in the Black Sea for the first time.

Paravortex cardii was found in 75% studied speciements of Cerastoderma lamarki with intensity 2-20 ones per host.

Paravortex scrobicularia was found in two from seven studied Abra ovata with intensity 1 and 3 ones per host.

Fig.1. Mature Paravortex cardii (original);

Fig.2. Juvenille P.cardii (original);

Fig.3. Embryo development stages of P.cardii (original): a - embrional capsules containing two embryos; b - digestive vacuoles.

Fig.4. Mature Paravortex scrobicularia (original);

Fig.5. Juvenille Paravortex scrobicularia (original);

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