Settling rates and density of spores of Henneguya doori (Myxosporea) in water.

Using Henneguya doori from Perca flavescens (yellow perch), the current study provides a method for examining settling rates, attitudes, and densities of myxosporean spores. Fresh and fixed spores settled similarly at 8.34 x 10(-6) m/sec and 8.53 x 10(-6) m/sec, respectively. The spores settled in the anterior end first, did not rotate, and had a specific gravity of 1.062. Comparison of settling rates proved more effective for determining spore density than direct chemical estimation. The slow rate of settling permits effective dispersal in open water.