IN-VITRO SPORULATION OF THE CLAM PATHOGEN PERKINSUS-ATLANTICUS (APICOMPLEXA, PERKINSEA) UNDER VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL-CONDITIONS

Perkinsus atlanticus Azevedo (1989) is a protozoan parasite of clams T apes decussatus and has been responsible of extensive mortalities in c lams breeding areas located on the South coast of Portugal, Algarve. I ts developmental cycle was described in vitro, using artificial zoospo rulation techniques, and allow construction of a proposed life cycle a ssociated with the host clam T. decussatus. The study of various envir onmental factors on P. atlanticus zoosporulation allowed for the deter mination of the optimal range of conditions for parasite development, i.e., 24-28 degrees C temperature, 25-35 parts per thousand salinity, and pH 7-8. These range of values are in accordance with those measure d in infected cultured clams areas.