Research Articles
Infection of a Species of Digenean in Common Octopus Octopus sinensis in Japan
2021 Volume 56 Issue 4 Pages 199-204
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2021 Volume 56 Issue 4 Pages 199-204
During a post-mortem inspection of common octopus Octopus sinensis, digenean parasites were found on the visceral surface. Parasitological examination revealed that 77 of 131 octopuses were infested, with maximum intensity of 975 digeneans. In all the retrieved digeneans, 92.3% were found to be attached to the renal sac. Species identification based on morphology was not possible because no fully mature digenean worms were obtained. Based on molecular analysis of 18S and 28S rDNA, the digenean was identified as Proctoeces cf. major. This is the first report of Proctoeces infection in common octopus in Japan.
