Infected Lagoon Sand Shrimps
by Pascal Goetgheluck/science Photo Library
Title
Infected Lagoon Sand Shrimps
Artist
Pascal Goetgheluck/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Infected lagoon sand shrimps (Gammarus insensibilis) at the surface of the sea, infected with parasitic flatworms. This amphipod crustacean, which reaches lengths of 20 millimetres, is found in coastal lagoons. The life cycle of the parasitic trematode (flatworm) Microphallus papillorobustus includes this shrimp as an intermediate host. When infected, the shrimp swims upwards, making it more vulnerable to predation by seagulls and other seabirds. A non-infected shrimp (bottom centre) swims further below the surface, avoiding predation. The flatworm's eggs are transmitted in the faeces of the seabirds, completing the life cycle.
Uploaded
September 12th, 2018
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