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Increased surfacing behavior in longnose killifish infected by brain-encysting trematode
B L Fredensborg1, A N Longoria
1Department of Biology & Center for Subtropical Studies, University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, Texas 78539, USA. blfredenbor@utpa.edu
The Journal of Parasitology
|May 8, 2012
Summary
Parasitic infections in longnose killifish (Fundulus similis) alter their behavior, making them more visible to predators. This parasite, Euhaplorchis sp. A, significantly impacts estuarine food webs.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Ecology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Parasites can manipulate intermediate host behavior to enhance transmission.
- Predator-prey interactions and food web dynamics are significantly influenced by these host-parasite interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral changes in longnose killifish (Fundulus similis) infected with Euhaplorchis sp. A metacercariae.
- To determine the relationship between parasite load and conspicuous behaviors in fish.
- To quantify parasite abundance and seasonal variation in intermediate hosts.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory observations of naturally infected Fundulus similis.
- Quantification of Euhaplorchis sp. A metacercariae in fish brains.
- Assessment of parasite abundance and cercariae production in the snail host Cerithidea pliculosa.
Main Results:
- Euhaplorchis sp. A infection intensity-dependently increased fish surfacing behavior.
- The parasite is common in Cerithidea pliculosa, producing abundant cercariae.
- 97% of collected fish were infected with minimal seasonal variation.
Conclusions:
- Euhaplorchis sp. A plays a significant role in Gulf of Mexico estuary food webs.
- Trophically transmitted parasites are crucial components of estuarine food web studies.
- Similar parasite-host interactions likely occur in other estuarine systems globally.
