Nematode infections of the European bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus Pallas, 1776: Cypriniformes)

• Authors: DÁVIDOVÁ Martina; ONDRAČKOVÁ Markéta; BARUŠ Vlastimil; REICHARD Martin; KOUBKOVÁ Božena
• Year of publication: 2005
• Type: Article in Periodical
• Magazine / Source: Helminthologia
• MU Faculty or unit: Faculty of Science
• Field: Ecology
• Keywords: Acheilognathinae; Pseudocapillaria tomento-sa; Philometra sp.; host feeding specialisation
• Description: A record of nematode parasites in bitterling fish is reported. Two nematode species were recorded parasitizing the European bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus). Infections were very rare (prevalence 0.82 %, mean intensity of infection 1). Bitterling was found to be a new suitable definitive host for Pseudocapillaria (Pseudocapillaria) tomentosa, but it appears to be unsuitable host for Philometra sp. Morphometric characteristics of recorded nematodes are presented. It is suggested and discussed that infrequent and extremely low nematode infections in this host reflect their feeding specialization (strict phyto- and detritophagy).

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