New data about the functional morphology of the chaetiferous leech‐like annelids Acanthobdella peledina (Grube, 1851) and Paracanthobdella livanowi (Epshtein, 1966) (Clitellata, Acanthobdellida)

Abstract

Approximately 130 individuals of Acanthobdella peledina and 100 individuals of Paracanthobdella livanowi were studied. Morphometric measurements were taken to explore the body form. The digestive and the reproductive systems of leech-like annelids were analyzed for the first time in such a high number of specimens. Observation of A. peledina and P. livanowi revealed crucial differences in the reproductive system of the analyzed taxa, mostly regarding variation in the shape of the testisacs and the length of the ovisacs. The results of a digestive system analysis suggest that blood-sucking parasites of the order Acanthobdellida may also lead a predatory lifestyle. The presented findings support the taxonomic division of the order Acanthobdellida into the families Acanthobdellidae and Paracanthobdellidae. Multiple similarities between Acanthobdellida and Hirudinida were also discussed.

Phylogenomic Analysis of a Putative Missing Link Sparks Reinterpretation of Leech Evolution

“…Yet, there is both ecological and morphological support for this result. A canthobdella peledina and piscicolid leeches share vector tissue located posterior to the female gonopore which serves to transfer sperm to the egg sacs (Sawyer 1986; Bielecki et al. 2014).…”

The activity of hydrolytic enzymes in the digestive system of Acanthobdellida, Branchiobdellida and Hirudinida (Annelida, Clitellata) – considerations on similarity and phylogeny

“…Apart from general morphological and functional descriptions (summarized by Gelder & Williams 2015) more detailed studies devoted to the digestive system structure and digestion in Branchiobdellida come from Cambarincola macrodonta (Jennings & Gelder 1979). Similarly, studies on the Acanthobdellida digestive system were mainly focused on its general morphology (Epshtein 1966; summarized by Bielecki et al 2014b).…”

“…Two described acanthobdellidan species (Acanthobdella peledina and Paracanthobdella livanowi) are regarded as temporary ectoparasites of salmonid fish, feeding on fish blood and soft tissues from the fish body wall. After feeding, acanthobdellidans detach from the host and live freely; especially P. livanowi specimens were frequently found unattached to the fish in the local environment (Livanow 1906;Epshtein 1966;Sawyer 1986;Erséus & Källersjö 2004;Kaygorodova et al 2012;Utevsky & Shedko 2013a;Utevsky et al 2013b;Bielecki et al 2014b).…”

New record of the fish leech Piscicola pojmanskae (Annelida: Hirudinida: Piscicolidae) - DNA barcoding and phylogeny

“…Notwithstanding numerous publications on the leeches parasitizing freshwater fish, data concerning the occurrence of leeches on Salmonidae fish are relatively limited (Bielecki 1997 ; Kulikowski and Rokicki 1998 ; Jueg et al 2004 ; Bielecki et al 2011b , c , 2012 , 2014 ; Cios et al 2012 ; Kaygorodova et al 2012 ). Nevertheless many species of the genus Piscicolidae parasitizing on Salmonidae have been described (Bielecki 1997 ; Bielecki et al 2011b , c , 2012 , 2014 ; Cios et al 2012 ). The main hosts of piscicolids are: salmon Salmo salar L.,1758, sea trout S. trutta morpha trutta L., 1758, sea trout S. trutta morpha fario L.,1758, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792), thymallid fish (Thymallinae), European grayling Thymallus thymallus (L., 1758) (Bielecki et al 2011b ).…”

“…The main hosts of piscicolids are: salmon Salmo salar L.,1758, sea trout S. trutta morpha trutta L., 1758, sea trout S. trutta morpha fario L.,1758, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792), thymallid fish (Thymallinae), European grayling Thymallus thymallus (L., 1758) (Bielecki et al 2011b ). The leeches can be found on fins and the body of their host (Bielecki 1997 ; Bielecki et al 2011b , c , 2012 , 2014 ). So far, among the piscicolids collected from Salmonidae were Piscicola annae Bielecki, 1997, Piscicola siddalli (Bielecki et al, 2012), Piscicola witkowskii Bielecki, 1997, P .…”