The mode of hatching of the monogeneanEntobdella soleae, a skin parasite of the common sole (Solea solea)

Abstract

Observations have been made on the hatching behaviour of the larva of the monogeneanEntobdella soleaeand on the effects of various enzymes on the opercular cement of the egg. These observations indicate that hatching is brought about by a proteolytic hatching fluid which is produced by two pairs of ventral head glands and spread over the inner surface of the opercular joint by rotation of the larva about its longitudinal axis. After hatching there is no trace of the ventral head glands. Similar glands are present before hatching in the oncomiracidium ofE. hippoglossi.