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
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