Comparative Anatomy of the Family Bithyniidae (Prosobranchia : Mesogastropoda)

Eight species of bithyniids, Bithynia leachi, B. tentaculata, B. siamensis, B. misella, B. kiusiuensis, B. striatula, Bithynia sp. from Nepal and Gabbia australis were collected from 1957 to 1988. The samples were relaxed with pentobarbital and fixed with 70% ethyl alcohol. There was no significant difference in internal structure of soft body, except the male reproductive system. The alimentary canal of the bithyniids consisted of mouth, buccal mass, esophagus, stomach, intestine, rectum and anus. The heart consisted of an auricle and a ventricle, located at left side of the stomach in the visceral hump. The ctenidium comprised 40-70 subtriangular lamellae. Eight ganglia were located around upper esophagus. The female reproductive system comprised ovary, oviduct, spermaaheca, and albumin gland. The male reproductive system was composed of testis, seminal vesicle, prostate gland, vas deferens, penial duct, and penis in order. Male was distinguished externally from the female by a bifid penis.