Cestode parasite accumulation in Octopus maya: Insights from an opportunistic sampling during the 2022 red tide event

The infection dynamics of Prochristianella sp., a metacestode parasitizing the Yucatán Peninsula-endemic octopus, Octopus maya, were examined to explore the relationship between host size and parasitic infection parameters. During a red tide event, forty-nine octopuses were sampled from a single locality in the Yucatán Peninsula, México, and classified into three size classes. Infection metrics were assessed, including prevalence, mean intensity, abundance, and total parasite count. The results revealed a significant positive association (r = 0.85) between host size and the number of Prochristianella sp., with larger octopuses exhibiting higher infection parameters. The findings suggest that Prochristianella sp. progressively accumulates in O. maya throughout its very early life, aligning with the general patterns observed in host-parasite interactions. This finding is consistent with previous studies, which suggest that larger hosts may accumulate higher parasite loads due to their prolonged exposure to infective stages and their trophic habits. These results highlight the ecological role of O. maya as an intermediate host in its marine ecosystem, underscoring the potential implications of parasitic infections on its health and population dynamics. This study represents a significant step toward understanding the ecology of parasites exploiting O. maya, providing insights into host-parasite relationships in marine cephalopods and offering a foundation for future research on the health and sustainability of this economically important species.