Abstract
The prevalence and intensity of the hematophagous pennellid copepod Haemobaphes diceraus were monitored over a 10-mo period in shiner perch Cymatogaster aggregata at Pipers Lagoon, Nanaimo, British Columbia. The prevalence and mean intensity of metamorphosed adult female H. diceraus (n = 421) were 10.0% and 1.2 (+/-0.5 SD), respectively. The majority (97.9%) of infected fish had single infections, reflecting the possibility of intensity-dependent parasite-induced mortality, rejection of additional parasites, or both. Transforming females were detected throughout the year; however, there was no detectable seasonal pattern of colonization. Neither copepodids nor adult males of H. diceraus were observed on the gills of shiner perch, and this was consistent with the hypothesis that an intermediate host harbors these stages. Males of Haemobaphes sp. infected the gills of bay pipefish Syngnathus griseolineatus with a prevalence and mean intensity of 56.0% and 6.8 +/- 3.7, respectively. Transmission of H. diceraus to shiner perch probably occurs in inshore protected areas, where shiner perch ecologically overlap with the probable intermediate host of H. diceraus, the bay pipefish.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
