Diel infestation dynamics of gnathiid isopod larvae parasitic on Caribbean reef fish |
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Authors: | Paul C Sikkel Collin S Schaumburg Jeremy K Mathenia |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biology, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, USA |
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Abstract: | Infestation dynamics of parasitic gnathiid isopods on Caribbean reefs were studied throughout the 24-h diel cycle. Gnathiid
infestation on caged longfin damselfish (Stegastes diencaeus) peaked strongly at dawn, remained low during the remainder of the day, and increased again at night until about midnight.
Gnathiids were less abundant during the pre-dawn period. Peak loads on fish retrieved at dawn were the highest reported in
any study thus far. The dawn peak consisted almost exclusively of individuals from the smallest size class, whereas nocturnal
activity consisted almost exclusively of individuals of the largest size class. Because of the high rates of infestation at
night and dawn, and the high variation in parasite loads on fish collected during that time, reduction of parasite infestation
may play an important role in the selection of nocturnal and crepuscular shelter holes and settlement sites by reef fishes. |
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Keywords: | Gnathiidae Isopoda Ectoparasites Damselfish Demersal zooplankton Shelter holes |
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