The mechanism of the attachment of Kuhnia scombri (Kuhn, 1829) (Trematoda: Monogenea) to the gills of its host Scomber scombrus L. including a note on the taxonomy of the parasite

Abstract

The manner by which Kuhnia scombri (Kuhn, 1829) Sproston, 1945, attaches itself to the gills of Scomber scombrus L. is described.The parasite lies between the primary gill lamellae with its posterior attachment organs ‘upstream’ with respect to the gill ventilating current of the host.The adhesive mechanism consists of two sets of organs which become attached to the secondary lamellae: a pair of hooks, provided with powerful muscles, perforates three or four secondary lamellae; and each of the members of four pairs of hinged clamps, operated by its own extrinsic muscle, grasps one or two secondary lamellae.The description of the adhesive mechanism given differs substantially from that given by Sproston. Sproston's classification of the Diclidophoroidea, being based mainly on her interpretation of the structure of the clamps of Kuhnia, is therefore open to criticism.