Observations on Trichodinids Endocommensal in Fishes

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Abstract
A survey of trichodinids endozoic in fishes is presented, including literature records and new observations. Host specificity, distribution, and variability of the species are discussed. Trichodina includes 6 endozoic species of which T. fariai invades the digestive tract; all others are parasites of urinary or urogenital tracts [T. schizothoraci, T. rajae, T. polycirra, T. urinaria, T. oviducti]. Paratrichodina comprises 3 endoparasitic species, P. alburni, P. phoxini and P. deguistii sp. nov. from Notropis heterodon. Buccal ciliature and morphology of ciliates of the genus Vauchomia [V. nephritica, V. renicola] are described with the use of silver impregnation methods. The hypertelic development of the adoral ciliary zone of these species is not accompanied by a similar development of the infundibular ciliature. The main feature of endoparasitic trichodinids, of fish as well as amphibians is a great number of densely spaced denticles with long, narrow blades, probably an adaptation serving to strengthen the structure of the adhesive disc of animals exposed to larger pressures within the organs of their hosts.

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