Larval Anisakid (Sulcascaris) Nematodes from Atlantic Molluscs with Marine Turtles as Definitive Hosts

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Abstract
Anisakid nematode larvae identified to the genus Sulcascaris Hartwich, 1957, were collected from several marine mollusks: surf clam Spisula solidissima, calico scallop Argopecten gibbus, Atlantic bay scallop A. irradians, moon sail Lunatia heros and whelk Busycon canaliculata. As an adult, the only known species of this nematode genus (Sulcascaris sulcata) parasitizes the stomach and intestine of the green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtle. Parasitized turtles occur in the areas where the larvae parasitize the mollusks. The excretory system of S. sulcata includes an excretory pore at the base of the ventral interlabium, a large ventral ribbon-like gland cell with a nucelus posterior to the level of the ventriculus, and an excretory canal in the right lateral chord that extends posteriorly about half the length of the body. Third and 4th stage larvae from mollusks are described and compared with 4th-stage larvae and adults from marine turtles. Comparative data for 4th stage Sulcascaris from Australian turtles and a scallop are presented.