Abstract
Silver Lamprey (Ichthyomyzon unicuspis) in the Wisconsin River attached within the branchial cavity of Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) significantly more often (6.5% of 1,578 attachments) than would be expected by chance on the basis of its relative surface area (3.7%), with as many as four lampreys found together within the branchial cavity of the same Paddlefish. Similar behavior has occasionally been noted for lampreys in other systems, but the phenomenon may be underreported when the lampreys are concealed from view. As suggested previously for some parasitic trychomycterid catfishes, lampreys in the branchial cavity may benefit from accessing blood under pressure, especially in the ventral aorta. In addition, Silver Lamprey within the branchial cavities of Paddlefish may be relatively protected from any negative effects that might result from Paddlefish breaching.
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We thank the many people who helped with field sampling, especially Paul Kanehl.
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Cochran, P.A., Lyons, J. Attachments by parasitic lampreys within the branchial cavities of their hosts. Environ Biol Fish 88, 343–348 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-010-9646-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-010-9646-5