In spite of a varying degree of clarity concerning the structure 

 of the clamps of Diclidophoridae, the question about their action is not fully 

 understandable as we have already indicated. Without any doubt the clamps 

 of Diclidophora act in a pinching fashion, which is recognized by all re- 

 searchers. Further, in spite of the descriptions of Price (Price, 1943a), 



tnM 



Fig, 307. Heterobothrium affinis (Linton), posterior end of the body on the 

 gill filament of Atherestes evermanni, J. and St. from the region of the 

 Cape of Navarin (Bering Sea). 



the clamps of Heterobothrium affinis also are real pinching formations. 

 We have especially collected a number of samples of this species together 

 with the gills on which they sit, and as a result of the observations of the 

 nature of the correlation between the clamps and the tissues of the gills it 

 is apparent that here the typical pinching action similar to Diclidophora 

 takes place. This is clearly shown on the corresponding drawing (Fig. 

 307). However, apparently during the attachment of these worms to a 

 flat surface [for instance to the surface of the buccal cavity where Linton 

 observed them (Linton, 1898)] attachment proceeds both by way of pinching 

 as well as by way of supplementary suction similar to the one that takes place 

 (see below) in Diclidophoropsis. The attachment of Choricotyle is obviously 

 the same as Diclidophora and in separate cases a second method is also 

 possible- -simultaneous pinching and sucking action of the clamps. Again 

 this depends upon the place of attachment of the corresponding species. 

 As regards Diclidophoropsis we can firmly say that they are able to attach 

 themselves to the body of the host with the aid of the pinching -sucking 

 method, if as we have observed, they are located on the surface of the 

 buccal or gill cavity and not on the gills themselves. Thus, on the anterior 

 surface of the gill cavity of Malagocephalus laevis (Lowe) from the Atlantic 

 Ocean near the shores of Ireland we have discovered more than 10 samples 

 of Diclidophoropsis tissieri Gallien, 1937. The worms were located in such 

 a fashion that a part of their clamps retained almost a maximum opening, 

 whereas the other was half-closed. With this, obvious traces of their 

 attachment remained on the skin of the host when the worms were removed. 

 During the examination of these traces it was apparent that the exterior 



437 



523 



