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A method of identifying immature specimens of marine Enchytraeidae (Oligochaeta) by vital staining of epidermal glands

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Abstract

Epidermal glands in Enchytraeidae are arranged in several transverse rows in each segment. These glands are more or less inconspicuous. It is possible to show up the gland cells by vital staining with Neutral Red (dilution 1:25 000 to 1:200 000 in tap- or sea-water, pH 6.0–6.8). Studies using this staining method have shown that there is a distinct pattern of epidermal glands for each species of marine Enchytraeidae investigated. The possibility of distinguishing immature specimens of different marine enchytraeid species, found in one particular locality, is demonstrated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. II. Zoologisches Institut und Museum der Universität Göttingen, Berliner Str. 28, D-3400, Göttingen, Federal Republic of Germany

    K. -J. Kossmagk-Stephan

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  1. K. -J. Kossmagk-Stephan
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Kossmagk-Stephan, K.J. A method of identifying immature specimens of marine Enchytraeidae (Oligochaeta) by vital staining of epidermal glands. Hydrobiologia 115, 55–58 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00027893

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00027893

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