Metazoan parasites of Fundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus, 1766) from insular Newfoundland

Dickinson, Anthony Bertram (1974) Metazoan parasites of Fundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus, 1766) from insular Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Seven hundred and twenty-eight fish of five species (cyprinodonts and gasterosteids) from four locations on the west coast of insular Newfoundland were examined for metazoan parasites, using conventional parasitological techniques. -- Eleven genera of parasites were recovered (two Monogenea, four Digenea, two Cestoda, one Acanthocephala, two parasitic Crustacea). Six genera of parasites were recorded from Fundulus heteroclitus, 1 genus from E. diaphanus, 5 genera from Pungitius pungitius, 7 genera from Gasterosteus aculeatus and 4 genera from Apeltes quadracus. Two Canadian records, 2 Newfoundland records and 3 host records were noted. -- It was found that the parasite burden of F. heteroclitus was not homogenous for sample areas, sex of host (Monogenea), and length of host (Gyrodactylus prolongis, G. stephanus, Urocleidus angularis, Homalometron pallidum and Proteocephalus sp.). Significant differences in the preferred site of attachment of the three species of Monogenea were noted. Seasonal variations in incidence and intensity were noted for all parasite species of F. heteroclitus. No seasonal differences in length of worms and fecundity were observed. -- Seasonal cycles were related to seasonal variations in selected environmental factors, and possible changes in host diet and physiology. -- Significant differences in the occurrence of particular species of parasites in cyprinodonts and gasterosteids were noted.

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