Morphological analyses of the attachment apparatus (clamps and central hooks) of Paradiplozoon homoion (Bychowsky & Nagibina, 1959) (Diplozoinae, Monogenea) parasitising gills of Gobio gobio (L.) showed a high percentage of abnormally developed parasite specimens. Four different localities in the Vlára River basin, Czech Republic, were investigated for the presence of such abnormal individuals. The highest percentage of abnormalities in the attachment apparatus (over 39%) was recorded in the Vlára River, at Bohuslavice. This study provides a comprehensive classification of these abnormalities with 7 types of abnormalities described and illustrated. Abnormalities of parts of the attachment apparatus that form in the later stage of ontogenetic development were the most frequent, the most frequent types of abnormalities being clamps with abnormal sclerites, and combinations of abnormalities. Abnormalities of the central hooks were also found in our material. The abnormalities found in diplozoids are probably connected with environmental pollution; however, this point requires further investigation.

Department of Zoology and Ecology Faculty of Science Masaryk University Kotlártská 2 611 37 Brno Czech Republic

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Architecture of Paradiplozoon homoion: A diplozoid monogenean exhibiting highly-developed equipment for ectoparasitism

An ultrastructural study of the surface and attachment structures of Paradiplozoon homoion (Bychowsky & Nagibina, 1959) (Monogenea: Diplozoidae)