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The effects of the ectoparasite Tracheliastes polycolpus (Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae) on the fins of rostrum dace (Leuciscus leuciscus burdigalensis)

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Abstract

Rostrum dace (Leuciscus leuciscus burdigalensis) from the River Viaur were found to be infested with the ectoparasite Tracheliastes polycolpus (Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae). Samples from five study sites along the river revealed different patterns of parasite infestation. Heavily infested fish were found at the upper study sites whereas much lower infestation levels were observed at the lower study sites. The copepods showed an aggregated dispersion pattern on host fins. The results showed significantly preferred microhabitats, with adult females being more abundant on the anal, pelvic and along the external part of the pectoral fins. The anal and pelvic fins were damaged by the parasite with a loss of their surface area. These fin alterations may reduce the fish’s swimming ability and therefore affect the rostrum dace population. Our findings highlight the need to study the effects of parasites on stream fish populations.

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Acknowledgements

Many thanks are due to Robert Poulin for his fruitful comments. Thanks are also due to Vincent Gobert for his technical assistance. This study complies with the current laws of the country in which the experiments were performed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire Dynamique de la Biodiversité, U.M.R 5172, C.N.R.S, Université Paul Sabatier, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse cedex 4, France

    Geraldine Loot, Yorick Reyjol, Simon Blanchet & Sovan Lek

  2. Cemagref, Unité de Recherche R.I.P.E, 361 rue JF Breton, BP 5095, 34033, Montpellier Cedex, France

    Nicolas Poulet

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  1. Geraldine Loot
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  2. Nicolas Poulet
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  3. Yorick Reyjol
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  5. Sovan Lek
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Correspondence to Geraldine Loot.

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Loot, G., Poulet, N., Reyjol, Y. et al. The effects of the ectoparasite Tracheliastes polycolpus (Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae) on the fins of rostrum dace (Leuciscus leuciscus burdigalensis). Parasitol Res 94, 16–23 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-004-1166-9

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