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The invasion of the leech Piscicola respirans (Hirudinea: Piscicolidae) on the fins of European grayling Thymallus thymallus

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Abstract

This study presents the parasitical relationships between the leech Piscicola respirans and European grayling Thymallus thymallus. It determines leech invasion intensity and extensity as well as describes the preferences of fin selection by the parasite as a place to attach and feed. It also shows the significance of fin selection by the leech in the initial phase of life cycle. Finally, the study defines P. respirans as a predominantly fin-parasite of fishes. Most probably the host-searching mechanism is based on positive phototaxis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego St. 5, 10-718, Olsztyn, Poland

    Aleksander Bielecki & Joanna M. Cichocka

  2. Department of Applied Ecology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego St. 5, 10-718, Olsztyn, Poland

    Janusz Terlecki

  3. Museum of Natural History, Wrocłlaw University, Sienkiewicza St. 21, 50-335, Wrocław, Poland

    Andrzej Witkowski

Authors
  1. Aleksander Bielecki
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  2. Joanna M. Cichocka
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  3. Janusz Terlecki
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  4. Andrzej Witkowski
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Correspondence to Aleksander Bielecki.

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Bielecki, A., Cichocka, J.M., Terlecki, J. et al. The invasion of the leech Piscicola respirans (Hirudinea: Piscicolidae) on the fins of European grayling Thymallus thymallus . Biologia 66, 294–298 (2011). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11756-011-0019-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s11756-011-0019-0

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