Distribution of Posthodiplostomum cuticola (Nordmann, 1832) (Digenea; Diplostomidae) metacercariae in cyprinids of the Vistula Lagoon, Poland [SHORT COMMUNICATION]

Abstract

The distribution of the digenean Posthodiplostomum cuticola in cyprinids caught in the Polish part of the Vistula Lagoon is described. The metacercariae were found to be present in carp bream (Abramis brama), roach (Rutilus rutilus), Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), white bream (Abramis bjoerkna), ziege (Pelecus cultratus), and common dace (Leuciscus leuciscus). Of the 1287 metacercariae found, 1175 occurred on the body surface, including 780 in the fins, 232 on the scales, and 163 in the skin underneath the scales. The remaining metacercariae occurred in the mouth cavity, gills, and eye sockets. Most of the parasites (1033) were located on the surface of the body below the longitudo caudalis. As is shown by the study, the digenea attack primarily those parts on the fish body that are closest to the bottom. The fins, sites that are more amenable to attachment and subsequently to penetration into the host’s tissues, turned out to be the preferred site of the parasite (60.6% of the metacercariae).

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Leszek Rolbiecki, Uniwersytet Gdański, Katedra Zoologii Bezkręgowców, al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, tel./fax: +48 58 660 16 65, +48 58 6601630;
e-mail: rolbieck@sat.ocean.univ.gda.pl