Experimental evidence for parasite-induced over-winter mortality in juvenile Rhodeus amarus
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2014 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Fish Biology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfb.12363 |
| Field | Zoology |
| Keywords | bitterling; Diplostomum pseudospathaceum; metacercariae; parasite infection; Trematoda |
| Description | In this study, the effects of the eye fluke Diplostomum pseudospathaceum (Trematoda) infection on over-winter survival of young-of-the-year (YOY) European bitterling Rhodeus amarus (Cyprinidae) were examined between September 2010 and April 2011. The fish were reared in semi-natural conditions to ensure that results were not confounded by other parasite infections. The cumulative mortality of R. amarus from November until April was significantly higher in D. pseudospathaceum-infected fish (57·3%) compared to controls (42·1%). Infection of the parental generation did not have any effect on the mortality of juveniles. The results indicate that D. pseudospathaceum infection increases over-winter mortality of YOY R. amarus. The possible mechanisms causing mortality are discussed. |
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