Anatomical study of "Onchidella celtica" (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata, Onchidiidae) by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). A first approach to its applicability in Onchidiidae (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata).

Abstract

The family Onchidiidae comprises a group of air-breathing marine slugs that can be very abundant in the intertidal zone of temperate shores worldwide. Recently, the phylogeny of the genus Onchidella has been reassessed by means of molecular markers, but anatomical studies are still needed to support these conclusions. In the present work, the anatomy of Onchidella celtica has been studied by using X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), a non-invasive technique that allows for 2D and 3D imaging of the external and internal anatomy of specimens without irreversible damage. To date, the potential of this technique for the anatomical study of onchidiids had not been assessed yet and therefore a reconstruction of the whole internal anatomy of O. celtica is provided here. Most of the organs and structures were clearly visualized; our observations largely agree with previous descriptions also highlighting the usefulness of micro-CT for the anatomical study of onchidiids.