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Parasitic eugregarines change their spatial distribution within the host digestive tract of Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba

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Abstract

The spatial distribution of the gregarine Cephaloidophora pacifica Avdeev (Order Eugregarinida) within the digestive tract of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba was examined using samples collected from the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula, in order to evaluate their strategy for maintaining their population. Eugregarines were observed to accumulate in the front section of the gut at any host maturity stage. The results of statistical analysis showed that eugregarines at immediately pre-molt stage of the krill decreased significantly in the posterior of the hind-gut, and increased in the anterior of the hind-gut. Thus, the krill's molt stage may be one factor affecting the spatial distribution of eugregarines. As a strategy for avoiding discharge to the outer environment by molting, eugregarines may move to a safety zone (mid-gut).

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Drs. S. Taguchi, Soka University, and S. Kudoh, National Institute of Polar Research, for their valuable comments. We also thank the officers and crew of the R/V Kaiyo Maru for their kind assistance during the cruise.

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  1. Kunio T. Takahashi

    Present address: Department of Polar Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, National Institute of Polar Research, 9–10 Kaga 1-chome, Itabashi-ku, 173–8515, Tokyo, Japan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Engineering, Soka University, 1–236 Tangi-cho, Hachioji, 192–8577, Tokyo, Japan

    Kunio T. Takahashi, Masaki Kobayashi & Tatsuki Toda

  2. Australian Antarctic Division, Channel Highway, 7050, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia

    So Kawaguchi

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  1. Kunio T. Takahashi
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  2. So Kawaguchi
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  3. Masaki Kobayashi
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  4. Tatsuki Toda
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Correspondence to Kunio T. Takahashi.

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Takahashi, K.T., Kawaguchi, S., Kobayashi, M. et al. Parasitic eugregarines change their spatial distribution within the host digestive tract of Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba . Polar Biol 26, 468–473 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-003-0511-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-003-0511-2

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