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The effects of Splanchnotrophus willemi infecting Ancula gibbosa (Gastropoda: Opisthobranchia: Nudibranchia)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 December 2006

Helen C. Marshall
Affiliation:
University of Wales Aberystwyth, Institute of Biological Sciences, Edward Llwyd Building, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, Wales
Peter J. Hayward
Affiliation:
University of Wales Swansea, School of Environment and Society, Department of Biological Science, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales

Abstract

The parasitic copepod, Splanchnotrophus willemi, is recorded infecting the nudibranch Ancula gibbosa for the first time in the UK. Seven out of twenty Ancula gibbosa sampled from Mumbles, Swansea, UK, were found to be infected with S. willemi. Light microscopy was used to investigate the effects of S. willemi on its host. In six hosts the internal damage caused was minimal. However, in one host the damage was extensive resulting in the disintegration of the digestive and reproductive viscera. One other A. gibbosa not parasitized, exhibited similar damage and it was postulated that this animal may have survived infection. In all cases of infection there was never more than one male or one female S. willemi present.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2006 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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