Intraovarian Invasion of Smallmouth Bass Oocytes by 'Proteocephalus ambloplitis' (Cestoda)

摘要

The bass tapeworm Proteocephalus ambloplites (Cestoda) has long been associated with poor reproduction in bass Micropterus sp. It has been suggested that the prevalence of this parasite in the ovaries of mature bass may be due to the rich blood supply of the ovaries. The authors suggest that the nutrients available in maturing oocytes may be at least equally as responsible for the abundance of the parasite in bass ovaries. The authors further suggest that, in addition to the scar tissue formed by parasitic invasion, direct oocyte destruction may also contribute to reduced production of viable oocytes and subsequent impaired reproductive success. Two photomicrographs are provided to support these beliefs.