Definition of "glochidia" [glochidia]

• Plural form of glochidium. (noun)

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• "Larvae, called glochidia, are released from the female mussel and complete their larval development by attaching to the gills or fins of aquatic vertebrates, typically fish, as obligate parasites."
• "Temperature rise will also play a role in the timing of spawning, causing females to release glochidia into the water column earlier, thus uncoupling the timing of mussel and fish reproduction cycles, especially in anadromous fish."
• "The high fecundity of mussels increases the likelihood for at least some glochidia finding a host."