Cuticle production and ecdysis in larval marine ascaridoid nematodes in vitro

Abstract

SUMMARYInfective 3rd-stage larvae of three species of marine ascaridoid nematodes, Pseudoterranova (= Phocanema = Porrocaecum = Terranova) decipiens, Anisakis simplex and Phocascaris/Contracaecum sp. were cultured in vitro in 0·9% saline or Medium 199 at 37°C beneath an atmosphere of either air or 95% air:5% CO2 All three species responded to culture at 37°C by producing a new cuticle. The majority of P. decipiens completed ecdysis under all the culture conditions employed. Ecdysis in A. simplex was stimulated by a high concentration of CO2; this effect was particularly noticeable in saline cultures. Both A. simplex and Phocascaris/Contracaecum sp. developed more effectively in a nutrient medium than in saline.