Larval Anisakis simplex B (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) of short-finned squid (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae) in north-west Spain

Abstract

The role of the ommastrephid squids Illex coindetii and Todaropsis eblanae (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) collected from two areas in the north-eastern Atlantic waters (north-west Spain) as hosts for larval ascaridoid nematodes was examined from November 1992 to November 1993. The morphology, morphometric growth, population dynamics and electrophoretic identification of the anisakid nematodes was described. The correspondence of Anisakis type I larvae recovered from both squid species within the sibling species Anisakis simplex B is confirmed by comparative data on morphology, morphometry, and genetic evidences. Almost all somatic structures showed progressive and continuous allometric growth corresponding with increase in worm length. Seasonal changes in parasite population levels were evident in both sampling areas.