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Isopod parasite influences prawn responsiveness and activity
Francesco Golin1, Shauna Moore, Katie O'Dwyer
1Marine & Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Old Dublin Road, Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland.
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms
|October 27, 2022
Summary
Bopyrid isopod parasites reduce prawn responsiveness and activity. Infected prawns require more stimulation to move and exhibit less activity, impacting their survival and potentially fisheries.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Parasitology
- Crustacean Biology
Background:
- Bopyrid isopods are common parasites of decapod crustaceans.
- These parasites typically inhabit the branchial chamber and feed on host haemolymph.
- Host behavior can be significantly altered by parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Bopyrus squillarum infection on the behavior of the common prawn Palaemon serratus.
- To quantify changes in prawn responsiveness and activity due to parasitic infection.
Main Methods:
- Experimentally infected and uninfected Palaemon serratus prawns were subjected to tactile stimulation.
- Prawn responsiveness was measured by the number of pokes required to elicit an escape response.
- Prawn activity was assessed by the duration of movement following stimulation.
Main Results:
- Infected prawns demonstrated reduced responsiveness, requiring significantly more pokes to initiate an escape response.
- Bopyrid infection led to decreased activity levels, with infected prawns moving for shorter durations.
- These behavioral changes suggest a compromised ability to react to environmental stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Bopyrus squillarum infection significantly impairs the behavioral responses of Palaemon serratus.
- Altered behavior may negatively affect prawn survival rates by impacting predator avoidance and overall fitness.
- The study highlights potential ecological consequences, including population-level effects on Palaemon serratus and associated fisheries, such as the Irish shrimp fishery.
