The population biology of Camallanus lacustris (Zoega) in eels, Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus), and their status as its host

Abstract

The population biology of Cumullunus lacustris (Zoega) and the status of the eel, Anguillu anguilla (Linnaeus), as its definitive host have been studied in a small Devon lake. No clear seasonal pattern in prevalence and abundance was observed, and recruitment of the new generation may occur in all seasons. However, reproduction exhibits some seasonality as adult nematodes were the commonest stage in the parasite population from early summer onwards and production of firststage larvae appeared to occur primarily during this period. These larvae were viable, and shown experimentally to be infective to copepods. The occurrence of the nematode and its development to full maturity in eels, the absence ofits typical definitive host (PercuJluviurilis Linnaeus) from the lake and the absence of the nematode from other species of fish in the lake indicate that eels serve as the only, true definitive host of the nematode in this locality. It is suggested that account must be taken of this alternative host when the population of C. Iucusrris is investigated in the future.

Variation in the intraspecific relationship between fish length and intensity of parasitic infection: biological and statistical causes

“…T I. Data used in the meta-analysis of the relationship between fish length and intensity of infection 14, Wickins & Macfarlane (1973); 15, Nie & Kennedy (1991); 16, Muzzall & Whelan (1995); 17, Carvajal et al (1979); 18, Muzzall (1986); 19, Paperna (1974); 20, Measures (1988); 21, Black (1981); 22, Lankester & Smith (1980); 23, Greenwood & Baker (1987); 24, Siddall et al (1994); 25, Leno & Holloway (1989);26, Poulin (1993); 27, James & Poulin (1998); 28, Paradis & Chapleau (1994); 29, Janovy et al…”

Temporal distribution and population structure of two congeneric species ofCucullanus(Nematoda: Cucullanidae) inOrthopristis ruberin Venezuela

“…Changes in quality and quantity of parasite fauna may be a consequence of several interacting variables, including age, diet, immunity and changes in foraging patterns as the host ages. Nie & Kennedy (1991) indicated that temporal patterns of changes in infection levels are different in different localities and the cycle may be seasonal (Rautskis, 1970; Andersen, 1978) or non-seasonal (Wierzbicki, 1970; Skorping, 1980). Skorping (1980) explained the non-seasonal pattern in infection levels as a result of overlap in seasonal rates of mortality and recruitment of the nematode, and concluded that a small shift in these rates would lead to a more pronounced seasonal pattern.…”

Population dynamics and maturation cycle of Camallanus cotti (Nematoda: Camallanidae) in the Chinese hooksnout carp Opsariichthys bidens (Osteichthyes: Cyprinidae) from a reservoir in China

“…In fact, many fish parasites show an over-dispersed distribution (e.g. Nie and Kennedy, 1991;Wang, 2002;Wang et al, 2002). Nematode aggregation is probably caused by the spatial distribution of the infective stage of the copepod intermediate hosts, as suggested by Skorping (1980) for C. lacustris in Perca fluviatilis.…”