The role of European bitterling (Rhodeus amarus, Cyprinidae) in parasite accumulation and transmission in aquatic ecosystems
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| Year of publication | 2011 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | In aquatic ecosystems, fish play a key role in parasite accumulation and transmission to predacious animals. In the present study, realized on seven populations of a small cyprinid fish species, the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus, we investigated (1) the role of the European bitterling as a potential intermediate or paratenic host, (2) the ability of the fish to accumulate parasites with similar final host group, and (3) its significance as a potential source of parasite infection in the ecosystem in respect to habitat characteristics. A total of 36 parasite species were recorded; 31 species (90% of all parasite specimens) were classified as endoparasites. |
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