Abstract

DIAZ DEL BASTO, José Christian; MOJICA, José Iván  and  KOYRO, Hans-Werner. External morphology of the fish parasite Paravandellia phaneronema (Miles 1943) (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae), under the scanning electron microscope. Rev. acad. colomb. cienc. exact. fis. nat. [online]. 2018, vol.42, n.165, pp.323-329. ISSN 0370-3908.  https://doi.org/10.18257/raccefyn.646.

Based on the three-dimensional images of the endemic Colombian ichthyoparasite Paravandellia phaneronema (Miles 1943) taken with a high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM), we described and analysed the superficial morphological structures developed as adaptations to their temporary hematophagous form of life. We centered on the emergent functional aspects of these adaptations and on the mechanisms used by these parasites of the subfamily Vandellinae to locate its host fish with precision adhering on its gills. We concluded that these parasites detect the host using their neuromasts, the mechanical receptors in their cephalic pores system and their lateral line, and not through the chemical reception of catabolic nitrogen products, as commonly suggested.

Keywords : Magdalena basin; Vandellinae; Neuromast channel; Superficial neuromast.

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