Repository logo
 

Parasites of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio): an invasive species in Alberta, Canada

Faculty Advisor

Date

2019

Keywords

Prussian carp, Carassius gibelio, invasive species, Pomphorhynchus bulbocolli, acanthocephalan

Abstract (summary)

A cyprinid, the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782)), has become an established invasive fish in several watersheds in Alberta, Canada. Originating in Eurasia, Prussian carp negatively impact native fish through predation, competition, and habitat modification. Prior to this study, nothing was known regarding the external and internal parasites of these fish in North America, although nine studies had been conducted in Europe and Asia. We examined 22 fish (20 female, 2 male) ranging from 3 to 5 years of age and recorded morphological features, stomach contents, and performed standard necropsy examinations for parasites. One parasite species, the acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus bulbocolli Linkins in Van Cleave, 1919, was found in three fish (14%), with a mean intensity of 1.0. This is a new host record and the first report of any acanthocephalan parasite in Prussian carp. We conclude that Prussian carp are not introducing any novel parasites into native fish and that they are resistant to most infections by native parasites.

Publication Information

Kucher, Hasanna, Stock, T.M., Das, Mrinal K., Parasites of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio): an invasive species in Alberta, Canada. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 2019, Vol. 97 Issue 9, p849-853. 5p.

Notes

Item Type

Article

Language

English

Rights

All Rights Reserved