Parasites of Limnoperna fortunei

Abstract

General information about bucephalid trematodes (Digenea) and the biology of two bucephalid species, Parabucephalopsis parasiluri and Prosorhynchoides ozakii, that are parasitic in Limnoperna fortunei, are reviewed in this chapter. Both of these species have been introduced into Japan with L. fortunei. The results of fish sampling in the field, and field and laboratory experiments showed that 27 fish species (5 families) and 13 fish species (5 families) are the second intermediate hosts of Pa. parasiluri and Pr. ozakii, respectively. The annual prevalence of Pa. parasiluri in L. fortunei (shell length = 15 mm) in the Uji and Yodo Rivers in Japan fluctuated from 2 to 18 % during 2001 and 2008. Heavy infections of Pa. parasiluri metacercariae cause hemorrhages in the fins, skin, and eyes of some freshwater fishes in Japan, indicating negative impacts on these species. On the other hand, larval bucephalids castrate L. fortunei and may depress their population growth.