Mytilicola intestinalis Steuer as a parasite of mussels in natural beds and artificial rearing places on the eastern Adriatic

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Abstract

       In some parts of the Yugoslav Adriatic coast Mytilicola intestinalis Steuer occurs as a parasite of mussels Mytilus galloprovicialis Lmk. The percentage of infested specimens depends on the possition where the mussels live (e. g. attached to quays or buoys in the harbours, in natural beds or artificial rearing places). The measured condition index of the mussels shows that there is no difference between mussels with the parasite and those without it. Consequently, the presence of the parasite does not appear to influence the quality of mussels. Their quality depends on proper feeding and other ecological conditions.