![]() This has rarely been observed for monogeneans. The authors observe that some parasites attached under scales. Initially distribution was random suggesting attachment may occur at whatever location on the fish’s body the oncomiracidium first arrives. Some oncomiracidia had attached on the host within 20 mins and this number rose to a peak of 93% of the number introduced into each tank by 24 hours.Īt the same time intervals parasite distribution was analysed for complete spatial randomness to determine whether they selected to locate in particular microhabitats on the fish. The percentage infection success was calculated at different time intervals. They attached by means of their haptor and from this attachment point were seen tapping with their anterior end in a circle the length of their body. Some parasites were observed moving over the surface of the fish. Labelling lasted the whole 16 days of the experiment, although it did fade somewhat. The position of each parasite was mapped and the fish photographed.įluorescent labelling enabled the parasites to be detected easily, even when they were lodged under fish scales. ![]() ![]() The surface of the fish was then examined for the presence of parasites under an epifluorescence stereomicroscope at 10 time intervals between 15 mins and 16 days. The problem of tracking these transparent parasites was solved by labelling them with a fluorescent dye.īarramundi from a fish hatchery were acclimated to salt water before exposing them to newly hatched oncomiracidia of the monogenean Neobenedenia, which had previously been held for 15 mins in seawater containing a fluorescent dye to make them visible under lighting of an appropriate wavelength.įifty fish were kept in individual tanks and each exposed to 50 oncomiracidium. They were interested in initial recruitment to the host and migration patterns of the post-larvae, juveniles and adults to see whether they aggregated in particular microhabitats at particular times.
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