Parasitology
During the dissection of Bonellia viridis, a few parasites were found. Experts suggested they might be Annelids due to the apparent segmentation, however, no proper identification was made.
These parasites live in the digestive tract of this echiuran. They are highly specialized, and appear to be segmented. The pair of hooks is probably useful to grip to the digestive tract wall. In addition, they have a heavily ciliated epidermis.
Photo by Lucie Malard
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Photo by Lucie Malard,
Parasite stained with Phalloidin
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Photo by Lucie Malard,
Parasite's hooks stained with phalloidin
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Photo by Lucie Malard, DIC channel
Parasite's ciliated epidermis |