The effect of temperature on cercariae production of two Rhipidocotyle trematodes parasitizing freshwater mussel, Anodonta anatina.

2013

Two bucephalid trematodes, Rhipidocotyle campanula and R. fennica are known to infect the duck mussel, Anodonta anatina. The infection will lead to decrease growth, reproduction and survival of A. anatina. Given the important role of temperature on cercariae production, a vital component of the parasite’s transmission and life cycle success, the effect of temperature on cercariae production of two Rhipidocotyle sp. in their molluscan host, Anodonta anatina, was investigated. Mussels were collected from the Rivers, Haajaistenjoki and Kuusaankoski, marked and allocated to three temperature treatments—high, intermediate and low. Between May 31-October 28, 2011, clams were individually monitore…