An infection caused by a Perkinsus -like parasite has been observed in Ruditapes decussatus from Portugal (Comps and Chagot, 1987). Following a pathological study carried out on clams affected by mortalities in the Algarve area, this parasite was found again, inducing a reaction process in the host. Histological examination reveals the parasite in the connective tissue of different organs. The adjoining tissues, particularly the epithelia, are not affected.