The big scaled redfin, Pseudaspius hakonensis (Günther, 1877),a new record of host fish for glochidia of the freshwater unionid mussel, Pronodularia cf. japanensis (Lea, 1859) 3

Abstract

The availability of the big scaled redfin, Pseudaspius hakonensis and tadpole of Rana japonica as host animals for the glochidia of the unionid mussel, Pronodularia cf. japanensis 3 was investigated. The hosts to which the glochidia were attached in a paddy field ditch were cultured in a tank (6 L, 22.3 ± 0.2 °C) for thirteen days. Glochidia and juveniles that became detached from the hosts were counted daily. Live juveniles appeared from Ps. hakonensis about nine days after glochidia attachment. On the other hand, juveniles did not appear from R. japonica. Ps. hakonensis is thought to be a suitable host, on which over 27% of attached glochidia metamorphosed to juveniles.