Tracking transparent monogenean XXXX on fish from @entity281 to maturity.

@entity4801 @entity281 @entity25595 @entity1423
The @entity281 dynamics and distribution of the ectoparasitic fish monogenean Neobenedenia sp. (Monogenea: Capsalidae) throughout its development was examined on @entity25595 , @entity25595 (Bloch) (Latidae), by labelling transparent, ciliated larvae (oncomiracidia) with a fluorescent dye. Replicate fish were each exposed to approximately 50 fluorescent oncomiracidia and then examined for @entity4801 using an epifluorescence stereomicroscope at 10 time intervals post-exposure (15, 30, 60, 120  min, 24, 48  h, four, eight, 12, and 16 days). Fluorescent labelling revealed that @entity4801 attached underneath and on the surface of the scales of host fish. Parasite @entity281 success was 20% within 15  min, and peaked at 93% two days post-exposure, before gradually declining between four and sixteen days. Differences in parasite distribution on @entity25595 over time provided strong evidence that Neobenedenia sp. larvae settled opportunistically and then migrated to specific microhabitats. Parasites initially attached (<24  h) in greater mean numbers on the body surface (13      1.5) compared to the fins (4      0.42) and head region (2      0.41). Once larvae recruitment had ceased (48  h), there were significantly higher mean post-larvae counts on the head (5      3.4) and fins (12      3) compared to previous time intervals. Neobenedenia sp. aggregated on the eyes, fins, and dorsal and ventral extremities on the main body. As @entity4801 neared sexual maturity, there was a marked aggregation on the fins (22      2.35) compared to the head (4      0.97) and body (9      1.33), indicating that Neobenedenia sp. may form @entity1423 .
