Observations on Transversotrema patialensis (Soparkar, 1924) (Trematoda) from Waltair, Andhra Pradesh (India)

Abstract

Cercaria patialensis Soparkar, 1924, emerging from the snail Melanoides tuberculatus (Müller) has been encountered at Waltair. The cercariae begin to emerge from the snail at dusk and continue to do so during the period of darkness.Stages resembling the adult but without the development of eggs have been encountered in nature on the fresh water fishes Panchax panchax (Ham. & Buch.) and Esomus danricus (Bleeker). These stages have also been raised experimentally by exposing P. panchax, E. danricus and fingerlings of Catla catla Ham. & Buch. to the cercariae.The cercaria is referable to the genus Transversotrema Witenberg, 1944.It is suggested that there may not be a metacercarial stage in the life-cycle of Transversotrema spp.