Effects Of A Larval Parasite On The Growth And Survival Of Young Bluegill
Seasonal dynamics of metacercariae of Uvulifer ambloplitis (Hughes 1927), the black spot parasite of centrarchids, were monitored over a 12 month period for bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) < 70 mm total length. Prevalence of infection ranged from 8 percent in April to 97 percent in September. Mean parasite density during September was 16 metacercariae per host although individual infections of over 100 per host were not uncommon. Prevalence and density of infection were greatest in bluegill 31 mm to 50 mm total length. Metacercariae were often localized in the caudal peduncle, gular...
