The spatial distribution ofDactylogyrus amphibothriumon the gills of ruffeGymnocephalus cernuaand its relation to the relative amounts of water passing over the parts of the gills

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Abstract
The spatial distribution of the monogeneanDactylogyrus amphibothriumover the gill apparatus of the ruffeGymnocephalus cernuawas non-random, parasites being aggregated on certain areas of the gills. By plotting the distribution over the gills of the glochidia ofAnodonta cygnea, the relative amounts of water passing over the different parts of the gill apparatus was determined experimentally. The observed distribution of D.amphibothriumwas then compared with the distribution of the glochidia. The results obtained suggest that the site of attachment ofD. amphibothriumis influenced at least in part by the direction and force of the respiratory current over the gills. Most parasites select a site where they are not subjected to its full force.