Parasitic mite and trematode abundance are associated with reduced reproductive output and physiological condition of freshwater mussels |
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Authors: | Michael M Gangloff Kristin K Lenertz and Jack W Feminella |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA;(2) Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, 572 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608-2027, USA;(3) Present address: Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, 2205 Career Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57107, USA |
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Abstract: | Although historically understudied, parasites may play an important role in freshwater invertebrate population ecology and
evolution. We quantified abundance of parasitic mites and trematodes in the freshwater mussel Pyganodon grandis, in a southeastern Alabama stream (USA), to assess parasite impact on adult mussel physiological condition and reproductive
output. We used stepwise multiple regression analyses to assess the effects of mussel size and parasites on reproduction and
condition. Multiple regression analysis found no multivariate models that predicted reproductive output or physiological condition.
However, univariate models revealed that increased parasite densities predict reduced mussel reproductive output and physiological
condition. These findings suggest that parasites may have important negative consequences for freshwater mussels. We hypothesize
that elevated parasite loads may reduce mussel fitness in impounded or nutrient-enriched streams with high densities of intermediate
hosts (chironomid midges). |
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Keywords: | Glochidia Glycogen Parasites Physiological condition Reproduction Unionoida |
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