Cormorant pellets as a tool for the knowledge of parasite-intermediate host associations and nematode diversity in the environment

Ecto and endoparasites of four species of coastal birds, Haematopus ater, Larus dominicanus, Leucophaeus scoresbii (Charadriiformes), and Lophonetta specularioides (Anseriformes), are reported from Puerto Deseado on the Patagonian coast, Argentina. Only H. ater was infested with lice (Phthiraptera), belonging to 2 species (Ischnocera, Amblycera). A total of 19 helminth species were found parasitizing the coastal birds studied: 4 cestodes (1 Tetrabothriidae, 3 Cyclophyllidea); 11 trematodes ( 2Gymnophallidae, 3 Microphallidae, 2 Notocotylidae, 1 Philophthalmidae, 2 Renicolidae, 1 Schistosomatidae); 3 nematodes (1 Anisakidae, 2 Acuariidae); and 1 acanthocephalan (Polymorphidae). Although some isolated records have been previously reported for these birds, the present work provides a parasitofauna study for H. ater, L. scoresbii, and L. specularioides for the first time. Endoparasites reflected the feeding habits of the birds; the parasite assemblage of L. dominicanus was the richest, indicating their wide prey spectrum and the diversity of the habitats frequented. A great species richness of trematodes, whose life cycles are partially known, suggests that L. specularioides feeds upon crustaceans and small bivalves. The blackish oystercatcher H. ater preys upon the limpet Nacella magellanica which hosts two larval trematodes corresponding to the adults found parasitizing it.

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Parasites of small pelagics reflect their role in marine ecosystems

Jacobson,

Marcogliese,

MacKenzie

2024

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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Small pelagics occupy an intermediate trophic level in marine ecosystems, serving as prey for a variety of predators and thus playing a very important role in these ecosystems. This review collates information gleaned from parasitological studies of small pelagics (fish, squid and euphausiids) and describes the valuable biological information they can provide. We describe why parasitology studies are important and how they have contributed to our understanding of the role of small pelagics in marine ecosystems. Pertinent general patterns in marine parasite ecology relevant to trophic interactions in small pelagics, including variations in parasite faunas with features such as host size, depth distribution and feeding behaviour are synthesized. With their relatively long life spans relative to stomach contents and stable isotopes, trophically transmitted parasites can provide a unique dietary history for the host. Therefore, we summarize the trophically transmitted parasites found most frequently in small pelagics and assess the potential of different parasite taxa as indicators of host diet. The use of multiple techniques, including stomach contents and stable isotopes, along with parasites, are evaluated to better reveal fish diets. Parasites provide complementary, and additional, information compared to other techniques. Furthermore, we discuss how the presence of certain parasites in small pelagics can be used to infer their main predators and emphasize the neglected but important role of parasites in elucidating a host’s role in marine food webs. Lastly, we identify important gaps in our knowledge of the parasites of small pelagics and what can be done to fill these gaps.

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Cormorant pellets as a tool for the knowledge of parasite-intermediate host associations and nematode diversity in the environment

Cited by 4 publications

References 33 publications

Enteroctopus megalocyathus, Patagonian red octopus

Enteroctopus megalocyathus, Patagonian red octopus

Parasitological survey of coastal birds from the Magellanic coast, Southwestern Atlantic Ocean

Parasites of small pelagics reflect their role in marine ecosystems

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