Presence of Pomphorhynchus laevis in Salamandra salamandra

AbstractInfection of Salamandra salamandra larvae (Amphibia: Urodela) with the fish acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus laevis was detected in a fish-free mountain brook. Gammarus fossarum was found to be the intermediate host. The parasites were probably inadvertently introduced through fish breeding practices. Evidence was obtained that Pomphorhynchus laevis persists, at least for several months, in postmetamorphic fire salamanders.